Noncredit Courses and Certificates

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

Free online classes to help you build skills, finish high school, or prepare for the GED

College of the Desert offers free noncredit classes to help adults build important skills and reach their educational goals. The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program includes basic skills classes in reading, writing, and math, as well as programs to earn a High School Diploma or prepare for the GED test.

Basic Skills

Build your reading, writing, and math skills.

Basic Skills classes help adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Students who complete these courses are better prepared to continue their education, including GED preparation, the Adult High School Diploma program, or college, and to look for better job opportunities. As you complete basic skill courses on the way towards earning your High School Diploma or GED, you can also earn ABE Certificates in English, Math, or Reading. 

High School Diploma

Complete the classes you need to finish high school.

High School Completion classes cover the subjects needed to earn a high school diploma. Students who complete the required coursework and pass the Proficiency Exams will receive an Adult High School Diploma from College of the Desert. Read more about the ABE High School Diploma, including how to get started and how to get credit for courses you've completed at other institutions.

GED Preparation

Get ready for the GED test.

GED preparation includes subjects such as social studies, math, reading, language arts, and science. This program helps students get ready for the official GED test. The GED (General Educational Development) is an accepted alternative to a high school diploma and is recognized by employers, colleges, training programs, and government agencies. Read how the GED Preparation course can help you prepare to take and pass the GED.

Flexible Learning

Start when you are ready and learn at your own pace.

ABE classes are open entry, which means you can begin taking classes when you are ready. Students can enroll throughout the term, and no prior education is required. Classes are self-paced and student-centered, so you can learn at a speed that works for you.

Free Online Classes

Study from anywhere at no cost.

All ABE noncredit classes are tuition free. Because classes are offered online, students can study from anywhere.

Enrollment Steps

1. Start your application.
Complete the online Noncredit Admission Application (available in English and Spanish).
Need step-by-step help? See Completing a Noncredit Program Online Application.

2. We can help you get started.
Have questions or need help with the process?

Go to the Noncredit Program Registration webpage for more information and resources.
Visit the Admissions and Records Non-Credit Office (Palm Desert campus, South Annex, Room 15)
Phone: (760) 776-7348
Email: abepd@collegeofthedesert.edu 

3. A counselor can help you plan your next steps. Would you like to talk with one?
ABE Counselor: Juan Jose Moreno Ibarra
Phone: (760) 862-1336
Email: jumoreno@collegeofthedesert.edu 

English as a Second Language Noncredit (ESLN)

Learn English for everyday life, work, and school. We will support you every step of the way.

The English as a Second Language Noncredit (ESLN) program at College of the Desert helps students who are not fluent in English improve their language skills and reach their goals. Whether you are just beginning or already know some English, ESLN offers classes to support you.

The program includes six levels of English, from Foundations (beginner) to Level 5 (low-advanced). Students build skills for daily life, work, and school. As students complete ESLN courses and move through the program, they become more prepared for high school completion (if needed), job training, or college.

Students can choose from different types of classes:

  • Comprehensive classes: Monday–Thursday classes that include reading, writing, speaking, and listening
  • Conversation and pronunciation classes: Classes that focus on speaking, listening, and clear pronunciation
  • Computer literacy class: Classes that build basic computer skills for work and everyday use

Flexible Classes

Start when you are ready.

ESLN classes are open-entry. This means you can start a class when you are ready — you do not need to wait for a new semester. Classes are offered:

  • In person in Palm Desert, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, and Palm Springs (morning and evening)
  • Online in the morning, afternoon, and evening

Online classes use Zoom and Canvas. If you are new to these tools, we will show you how to use them.

This flexibility allows you to choose the time and location that works best for you.

Who Can Enroll?

Everyone is welcome.

Anyone 18 years of age and older, regardless of educational background or immigration status, is welcome to enroll in our ESLN classes.

Certificates

Earn a certificate to show your progress.

The ESLN program offers two noncredit certificate options:

  • English Proficiency Certificate: Learn English for everyday life and work
  • Academic English Certificate: Prepare for college or vocational programs

Read more about the courses you need to complete to earn an ESLN Certificate.

Student Support

We are here to help you succeed.

Students have access to support services such as laptop and textbook loans, tutoring, a language lab, technology help, and counseling (depending on availability).

Enrollment Steps

1. Start your application.
Complete the online Noncredit Admission Application (available in English and Spanish).
Need step-by-step help? See Completing a Noncredit Program Online Application.

2. We can help you get started.
Have questions or need help with the process?

Go to the Noncredit Program Registration webpage for more information and resources.
Visit the Admissions and Records Non-Credit Office (Palm Desert campus, South Annex, Room 15)
Phone: (760) 776-7348
Email: abepd@collegeofthedesert.edu 

3. A counselor can help you plan your next steps. Would you like to talk with one?
ABE Counselor: Juan Jose Moreno Ibarra
Phone: (760) 862-1336
Email: jumoreno@collegeofthedesert.edu

Noncredit Certificate Programs

Certificate of Completion and Certificate of Competency programs are noncredit career development programs. These programs provide vocational training in focused areas and do not appear on the transcript. 

  • A noncredit Certificate of Competency means a document confirming that a student enrolled in a noncredit educational program of noncredit courses has demonstrated achievement in a set of competencies that prepares students to progress in a career path or to undertake degree-applicable or non degree-applicable credit courses. 
  • A noncredit Certificate of Completion means a document confirming that a student has completed a noncredit educational program of noncredit courses that prepares students to progress in a career path or to take degree-applicable credit courses.

The following are noncredit certificates offered at College of the Desert. Please refer to the programs pages of the catalog for detailed information on a particular program.

Adult Basic Education

Advanced Transportation Technologies

Applied Construction Technology (Architecture/Environmental Design)

Automotive Technology

Building and Energy Systems Professional

Building Inspection Technology (Architecture/Environmental Design)

Business

Counseling/Liberal Arts

Culinary Arts

Digital Design and Production

English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language Noncredit (ESLN)

Film (Media, Film and Journalism)

Library and Learning Resources

Mathematics

Natural Resources

Spanish (Foreign Languages)

Using Employability/Soft Skills to Create Pathways