Professional/technical certificate programs emphasize basic, practical skills needed for entry-level employment. Often, these programs can be completed in a short period of time, preparing a student with beginning job skills or providing knowledge and skills that are needed for advancement in a specific professional/technical area.

Certificates between 21- 44 credits require that at least one-half of the required credits be earned at Pierce College. All coursework must be completed at Pierce College for short-term programs and certificates of 20 credits or less. A cumulative college-level GPA of 2.0 or higher is required.

A candidate for a certificate in a professional/technical program of at least 45 credits must earn a minimum of nine credits in related instruction, three each in communications, computation and human relations.

Student Learning Outcomes for individual professional/technical degrees and certificates available at www.pierce.ctc.edu/proftech.

Course Substitution Policy

Pierce College Professional/Technical program coordinators and full-time faculty within the program area may substitute coursework within their programs that they feel is appropriate. Courses may also be waived as deemed appropriate; however, for associate programs, a degree will not be awarded with less than 90 quarter hours. Certificates will not be awarded with less than the required total credits. Approved course substitutions must be submitted in writing to the college evaluations office.