Noncredit

State Noncredit Curriculum Development guidelines and standards are described in the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office’s Program and Course Approval Handbook or PCAH 7th Edition PART III: NONCREDIT CURRICULUM page 97

Noncredit Categories

Noncredit courses are classified into ten legislated instructional areas (nine defined in Ed. Code § 84757 and the tenth is defined in CCR, Title 5, § 55151). The placement of a course in a given instructional area is driven by the course objectives and target population to be served. (PCAH 7th edition; page 111)

The 10 instructional areas are: 

  1. English as a Second Language 
  2. Immigrant Education 
  3. Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills 
  4. Health and Safety 
  5. Substantial Disabilities 
  6. Parenting 
  7. Home Economics 
  8. Courses for Older Adults 
  9. Short-term Vocational Programs 
  10. Workforce Preparation

Phase I The Build 

The Originator should consult the Noncredit Curriculum Guide prior to entering information into the curriculum software. 

There are 15 different tabs/forms in the curriculum software to assist an Originator in building a Chancellor’s Office approved Course Outline of Record. During Phase I -The Build, the Originator creates a proposal in the curriculum software and works with their CAC Division Rep to create a State approvable proposal. 

If you are proposing Distance Education for a noncredit course, reach out to the Distance Education expert on the CAC for assistance.

Phase II Local Approval 

The CAC Division Rep and Originator bring forth the new/modified curriculum to the CAC for Hearing and Action. Courses that require current adjustments to Certificates of Completion/Competency will be required to bring program modifications forward at the same time.

Phase III Implementation 

When a control number is issued, the proposal is implemented in curricunet and made Active. This Active course’s information is sent to Scheduling and the course information is created or updated in Banner. 

Noncredit Career Development and College Preparation (CDCP) Certificates

  • Certificate of Competency - typically noncredit ESL , Adult High School, GED/GEDB
  • Certificate of Completion - Workforce prep and vocational
  • Adult High School

Noncredit Distance Education

Noncredit Distance Learning Summary (Excel)

Online Education Initiative - Course Design Rubric