ESL Certificates
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Fullerton College offers certificates to recognize studentsβ completion of academic English skills at an advanced, post-secondary level.
Courses should be completed before you apply. If you are applying for multiple certificates, a separate application is needed for each certificate. Please note that applications may be processed within 4 to 6 weeks. During the summer and winter sessions, applications may not be processed until the beginning of the regular fall or spring term.Β
ESL Certificate of Proficiency in Academic English
This certificate provides students and employers with evidence of academic accomplishment in English as a Second Language. This certificate recognizes proficiency of English language abilities in academic listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the college level.
This certificate is recommended for:
- high-beginning and intermediate level students
- students who are primarily seeking English language fluency for professional and personal development
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
Required ESL Core Courses:
- ESL 083 F β High Intermediate Reading and Writing (5 units)
- ESL 184 F β Low Advanced Reading and Writing (5 units)
Complete one (1) ESL Language Support Course:
- ESL 035 F β Intermediate Grammar (3 units)
- ESL 039 F β Vocabulary Expansion Techniques (3 units)
- ESL 045 F β Advanced Grammar (3 units)
- ESL 046 F β Intermediate Conversation (2 units)
- ESL 048 F β Intermediate Pronunciation (2 units)
- ESL 049 F β Advanced Academic Vocabulary (3 units)
- ESL 056 F β Advanced Conversation (2 units)
- ESL 058 F β Advanced Pronunciation (2 units)
Complete one (1) College Literacy/Experience Course:
- COUN 101 F β The College Experience (2 units)
- COUN 141 F β Career Exploration (1 unit)
- COUN 143 F β Creative Job Search (1 unit)
- COUN 148 F β Human Potential (1 unit)
- COUN 193 F β Financial Life Skills (2 units)
- READ 127 F β College Literacy Skills (2 units)
Total Units: 13 – 15 units
ESL Milestone Certificate of Achievement: Pathway to Transfer – Written and Oral Communication
This certificate prepares students for the academic rigor of degree-applicable coursework in various majors.Β Students will achieve a mastery of English reading, writing, critical thinking, and speaking skills to succeed in any professional or academic setting where English is the dominant language.
This certificate is recommended for:
- advanced level students
- students who are seeking a degree or transfer to a 4-year university
- students who completed the ESL Certificate of Proficiency in Academic English
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS:
Required ESL Core Courses:
- ESL 184 F β Low Advanced Reading and Writing (5 units)
- ESL 190 F β Advanced Accelerated Reading and Writing (5 units)
Complete one (1) College Writing Course:
- ENGL 100 F β College Writing* (4 units)
- ENGL 100HF β Honors College Writing* (4 units)
- ENGL 101 F β Enhanced College Writing* (5 units)
- ENGL 110 F β Enhanced College Writing for Non-Native Speakers* (5 units)
Complete one (1) Oral Communication Course:
- COMM 100 F β Public Speaking* (3 units)
Course Substitute: The ESL Department will accept COMM 124 F (Small Group Communication) or COMM 135 F (Essentials of Argumentation) as a substitute for COMM 100 F. Please indicate this in your online application.Β
* This course satisfies General Education requirements for an associate degree or transfer to a CSU or UC.
Total Units: 17 β 18 units
How to Apply
COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM. You can also talk to your ESL professors or Fullerton College academic counselors for help completing the application.
ESL Certificate Ceremony and End-of-the-Year Celebration
Students who complete ESL Certificates will be invited to participate and be recognized at the annual ESL Certificate Ceremony and End-of-the-Year Celebration during the last week of the spring semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for ESL certificates if I took the required classes at Fullerton College before Fall 2024?
Yes! You can apply for any of the ESL certificates as long as you have completed all the required courses and received a passing grade (C or better OR Pass) in each course taken.
Can I apply for ESL certificates if I took some of the required courses at a different college?
Yes! Course taken at other colleges must be equivalent to the required courses in the certificate. If you are using credit from a school outside of Fullerton or Cypress College, an official transcript needs to be on file with the Admissions and Records Office. It is helpful to review certificate requirements with a counselor before applying.
How and when can I apply for ESL certificates?
Students can apply for any ESL certificate once they complete all the required courses with a passing grade (C or better OR Pass). Applications will be online on the Fullerton College ESL website. If you are applying for multiple certificates, a separate application is needed for each certificate.Β Click here to apply for an ESL Certificate.
Can I still apply for and receive the ESL Milestone Certificate if I took COMM 124 F or COMM 135 F instead of COMM 100 F?
Yes. The ESL department will accept COMM 124 F (Small Group Communication) and COMM 135 F (Essentials of Argumentation) as substitutes for COMM 100 F to satisfy the requirements for the ESL Milestone Certificate.
If you took one or both of these courses instead of COMM 100 F to satisfy your General Education requirements, olease indicate on the online application that you are using one of these courses as a substitute for COMM 100 F.Β