Non-Credit Programs

Foothill College offers non-credit classes and certificate programs at our main campus, Sunnyvale Center, and in our local communities.

Non-credit classes are free — with no registration fee, proof of residency or prerequisites.
Most non-credit classes are open entry and exit, and may be repeated as many times as needed to progress to the next level.
Non-credit classes are a great choice if you are seeking self-improvement for increased literacy and job skills before or while taking for-credit college courses.

Program Information

Eligibility

Anyone who is 18 years of age or older is eligible to attend non-credit classes.

Registration

To register for a non-credit class, you must be a Foothill student with a MyPortal CWID login account.

Apply for Admission to Foothill College
Register for classes in MyPortal
Note: Registration may be possible at the first class meeting if space is available.

Attendance

Non-credit classes are zero units and non-transcriptable, which means they do not show up on your transcript.
However, courses that are part of a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Competency may require minimum attendance and competency.

Fees

There are no fees for the non-credit classes currently offered at Foothill College. (Student Fee Handbook, Legal Opinion 10-01, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, 2010)
Students are responsible for purchasing required books and materials for non-credit classes, unless offered as part of a course or program.

What We Offer

Select a link to view our current schedule of classes for each non-credit program.

Non-Credit Program Class Schedules

Adaptive Learning Community Based (ALCB)
Basic Skills (NCBS)
Biological & Health Sciences (NCBH)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (EMS 400) and EMT (EMS 401/401A and EMS 402/402A)

English as a Second Language (NCEL)
Language Arts (NCLA)
Parenting Education (NCP)
Short-Term Vocational (NCSV) —includes Geriatric Home Aid

Why We Offer Non-Credit Classes

The Board of Governors for California Community Colleges established non-credit classes and programs to provide an "educational gateway" or a "portal to the future."

It serves as a key contributor to "open access" for students with diverse backgrounds and those seeking ways to improve their earning power, literacy skills and access to higher education.

For many, particularly immigrants or economically disadvantaged and low-skilled adults, it is the first point of entry into a college.