English as a Second Language - Beginning Level Certificate of Competency

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The Certificate of Competency for English as a Second Language – Beginning Level is designed for students to demonstrate basic English language skills. Emphasis is on participating in simple conversations, expanding vocabulary, reading authentic and simplified texts, and writing grammatically correct sentences within basic paragraphs.

The beginning level courses leading to a certificate will prepare students for intermediate levels of English language study by working on all four primary language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will acquire practical communicative vocabulary, rudimentary skills in conversation, composition, and comprehension as well as an introduction to the American sound system. While completion of this certificate will allow for greater civic involvement and potential job advancement, completion of this certificate alone is insufficient preparation for college-level certificates and degree-applicable coursework.

Beginning students are placed within the following sequence of foundation courses, according to their English abilities and may test out of up to two courses. Courses may be offered days, evenings, and weekends during fall, spring and summer. There are no prerequisite skills or enrollment limitations although there is recommended preparation for some courses.