Winter-Spring 2026 Tuition-Free Certificates & Classes
Here are the Tuition-Free certificates and classes offered at Norco College:
Accounting | Administration of Justice | Architecture | Drafting Technology | Electronics |
Engineering | Entrepreneurship | English as a Second Language | Manufacturing Technology
Accounting
The ACCOUNTING BASICS FOR SMALL BUSINESS Certificate provides students with an understanding of basic accounting, including QuickBooks
procedures. The skills and knowledge covered in this program will enable students
to get a job in the field or advance in their current career.
Required Courses to earn certificate: ACC-801, ACC-802, ACC-803 (Note: Certificates can be completed in a single term or over the course of several
terms, subject to availability.)
ACC-801 Setting Up QuickBooks for Small Business (Online Asynchronous)
Section #30061 • January 5 - February 12, 2026
Section #32238 • February 17 - March 13, 2026
Learn the basics of small business bookkeeping using QuickBooks, financial reporting,
and how to analyze and record financial transactions. Discusses accounts receivable,
accounts payable, payroll procedures, sales taxes, and common banking activities.
ACC-802 Monthly Procedures Using QuickBooks (Online Asynchronous)
Section #30062 • January 5 - February 12, 2026
Section #32239 • March 16 - April 10, 2026
Prerequisite: ACC-801
Develop and apply monthly procedures used in accounting for small business. Continue
to build small business accounting knowledge, gain practical experience working with
day-to-day transactions. Reconcile balance sheet accounts and examine/audit income
statement accounts on a monthly basis. Prepare adjusting journal entries. Prepare
financial statements.
ACC-803 Year End Procedures with QuickBooks (Online Asynchronous)
Section #33126 • April 20 - May 15, 2026
Prerequisite: ACC-802
Develop and apply year end procedures, prepare closing entries, and prepare reports
for tax accountants.
ACC-819 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (In-Person)
Section #30304 • January 17 - February 7, 2026
Saturdays; 9 am - 1:15 pm
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an initiative sponsored by the
Internal Revenue Service. This course is intended to provide students with the opportunity
to serve qualified individuals. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need
assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including: people who generally make
$57,000 or less; people with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
This course will teach students about income tax preparation, prepare students to
apply for IRS VITA certification, in order to work with individuals and families with
limited incomes to prepare tax returns—enabling them to receive proper tax credits
and refunds. Completion of this course will allow students to volunteer, providing
free, high-quality income tax service.
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Administration of Justice
ADJ-801 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) (In-Person)
Section #32257 • May 2 - May 16, 2026
Lectures: Saturdays, 8 am - 5 pm
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is consistent with a nationwide approach designed for individuals and businesses to understand the hazards that may impact their home, community and workplace in the event of a disaster. Recognized and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and professional first responders, this training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills that will educate them in disaster preparedness at home, in the community, or the workplace, and be more resilient when an incident occurs. Emergency response training to support and enhance your community and workplace will be provided through team building, collaboration, and other hands-on activities. 24.00 to 28.00 hours lecture. (Same as HLS-801) (Pass/No Pass only)
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Architecture
The ESSENTIAL 3D TOUR Certificate program prepares students with the knowledge and skill in reading Architectural documents
and blueprints with techniques in presenting an existing building in a three-dimensional
virtual tour for later remodeling or design. Students learn to set and use advanced
building scanner/camera and drones in presenting spatial aspects of building in a
virtual walkthrough or virtual fly around the building and landscapes.
Required Courses to earn certificate: CON-862, ARE-863 3D (Note: Certificates can be completed in a single term or over the course of several
terms, subject to availability.)
ARE-863 3D Tour, Virtual, Mixed, Augmented and Extended Reality (Online Asynchronous)
Section #32282 • April 20 - June 12, 2026
Advisory: ARE 824 or ARE 24 or CON 62
Introduces concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR),
augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and extended reality (XR) technologies,
to build basic 3D models, scan objects, 360 degree space photography, design and edit
3D tours from various spaces inside and outside buildings as a tool for visual communication,
prepare virtual field trip, walkthrough and fly for presentation, and show existing
spaces using, scanner, camera, drone, current 3D and BIM software to architects, contractors,
realtors, clients, or game developers. 27.00 hours lecture and 90.00 hours laboratory.
(Letter grade or Pass/No Pass option)
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The ESSENTIAL CAD Certificate program prepares students with the knowledge and skill in using CAD to prepare complicated
two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and models used in Architecture and Mechanical
industry. Students learn to render computer models and prepare CAD animation.
Required Courses to earn certificate: DFT-830, DFT-831 (Note: Certificates can be completed in a single term or over the course of several
terms, subject to availability.)
DFT-830 Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
Section #30090 • January 5 - February 12, 2026 (Online Asynchronous)
Section #32360 • February 17 - April 10, 2026 (Hybrid) • Lab: Tuesdays, 6 - 9:10 pm
Advisory: CIS 1A
A two-dimensional computer aided drafting class for drafters. Students will use an
AUTOCAD computer drafting system to develop "computer drawn" drawings, which are typical
to the various fields of drafting. 27 hours lecture and 81 hours laboratory.
DFT-831 Advanced Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
Section #32362 • February 17 - June 12, 2026
Lab: Tuesday; 6 - 9:10 pm
Prerequisite: DFT 30 or ENE 30 or DFT 830
This course focuses on applying advanced AutoCAD skills in the design process to create
models, drawings, and related documentation for a variety of applications and industries.
Topics include blocks, attributes, external references, solid, mesh, and surface modeling,
presentation, and photorealistic rendering. Students develop and apply skills in visualizing,
creating, and editing 3D shapes for modeling, testing, rapid prototyping, and marketing.
The course emphasizes improving productivity and developing modeling and presentation
skills. 27.00 hours lecture and 81.00 hours laboratory.
The ESSENTIAL FUSION 360 Certificate program prepares makers with the knowledge and skill in using Fusion 360 to document
mechanical drawings per ANSI standards. Students learn to render parts and assemblies
with exploded view animation. Also, students learn to build parts using additive and
subtractive process through Fusion 360.
Required Courses to earn certificate: DFT-862, DFT-863 (Note: Certificates can be completed in a single term or over the course of several
terms, subject to availability.)
DFT-862 Basic Fusion 360 (Hybrid)
Section #32364 • February 17 - April 10, 2026
Lab: Wednesdays, 6 - 8:05 pm
Advisory: CIS 1A
The basic elements of engineering graphics communication are covered in this course
with the emphasis on preparation and use of detail and assembly drawings and application
of geometric tolerancing (ANSI Y14.5). Interpretation of engineering drawings, representation
of threads and fasteners, and assembly drawings using SolidWorks will be included.
27.00 hours lecture and 81.00 hours laboratory.
DFT-863 Advanced Fusion 360 (Hybrid)
Section #32365 • April 20 - June 12, 2026
Lab: Wednesdays, 6 - 8:25 pm
Prerequisite: DFT 62 or DFT 42
Provides theory and hands-on application of the design process, 3D modeling, prototyping,
and manufacturing to students with prior modeling experience or coursework. Building
upon drafting fundamentals, students develop skill in computer-aided solid modeling,
additive manufacturing, and conventional machining processes. Students develop and
refine modeling skills, produce prototypes, enhance presentation models, and use simulation
and 3D printing tools to solve design problems individually and in teams. Additional
topics include problem identification, concept generation, project management, risk
reduction, file translation, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), quality control, and
Computer Numerical Control (CNC). 27.00 hours lecture and 81.00 hours laboratory.
(Letter grade or Pass/No Pass option)
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Electronics
The ELECTRONICS/INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION Certificate program teaches how to use Electronic, Microprocessors, Microcontrollers, Programmable
Logic Control and Fluid Power systems to create and program new machinery used in
industry. This certificate of completion prepares students for employment as an automated
systems technician, maintenance mechanic, or general maintenance worker.
Required courses to earn certificate: ELE-810, ELE-827, ELE-874, ELE-864, ELE-851, ELE- 855, MAN-860, ENE-862 (Note: Certificates can be completed in a single term or over the course of several
terms, subject to availability)
ELE-811 DC Electronics (Online Asynchronous)
Section #33240 • February 17 - June 12, 2026
Basic electrical theory including Ohm’s Law, the Power Law, the Current and Voltage
Laws of Kirchhoff, Direct Current (DC) theory, time constants, multimeter measurements,
magnetism, electromagnetism, resistors, capacitors, coils, transient analysis and
DC Motors, voltage, current, resistance, power, series, parallel and complex series/parallel
circuits. 63.00 hours lecture and 27.00 hours laboratory.
ELE-813 AC Electronics (Online Asynchronous)
Section #33241 • February 20 - June 12, 2026
Prerequisite: ELE 10 or ELC 11 or ELE 11 or ELE 21 or ELE 23
Alternating Current (AC) theory, devices, circuits and applications--will include:
resistance, reactance, impedance, capacitance, inductance, Ohm's Law, Power Law, sinusoidal
waveforms, Peak, Peak-to-Peak and Root-Mean-Square (RMS) measurements, using an oscilloscope,
signal generator and meter; applications of series and parallel networks of resistors,
capacitors, inductors, transformers and other AC components; J-Factors and phasor-vector
solutions to both simple and complex AC circuits; transient reactor analysis; phase-shift,
phase-angle, and power-factor calculations and measurements. 54.00 hours lecture and
54.00 hours laboratory.
ELE-826 Microcontrollers (Online Asynchronous)
Section #30297 • January 5 - February 12, 2026
Advisory: ELE-25
Computer number systems, codes, and arithmetic functions; microcontroller functions,
architecture, instruction sets, addressing modes, internal operations, PIA interfacing,
and I/O operations. Introduction to operating systems.
ELE-864 Programmable Logic Controllers (Hybrid)
Section #32436 • February 17 - June 12, 2026
Lab: Wednesdays, 6 - 9:10 pm
Advisory: ELE 10 or ELE 11
Description: Fundamentals of programmable logic controllers, with an emphasis on introductory
programming of PLCs. Problem analysis with solutions that integrate programming formats,
auxiliary commands and functions, common programming languages, and popular software
programs used with PLCs. Installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair are
inherent components. 36.00 hours lecture and 54.00 hours laboratory.
ELE-874 Industrial Wiring and Control (In-Person)
Section #32437 • February 17 - June 12, 2026
Lecture: Monday & Wednesday; 6:30 - 7:55 pm
Lab: Monday & Wednesday; 8:05 - 9:30 pm
Industrial controls and electrical wiring of modern facilities, manufacturing, or
warehousing. Included will be production equipment, conveyor systems, hydraulic and
pneumatic controls, power distribution, blueprint reading, electrical control wiring,
PLC (programmable logic controller) control wiring, VFD (variable frequency drives)
wiring and programming. 54.00 hours lecture and 54.00 hours laboratory.
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Engineering
ENE-851 Print Reading (Hybrid)
Section #32625 • February 17 - June 12, 2026Lab: Monday; 6 - 8:05 pm
Advisory: ENE 21 or MAT 36
A beginning course in the study of blueprints and their interpretation, types of projection, symbols, and abbreviations. This course is designed for students interested in print reading for the machine trades. 27.00 hours lecture and 27.00 hours laboratory.
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Entrepreneurship
The SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESS Certificate provides students with an understanding of how to effectively leverage social media
as part of a business marketing strategy. Students will analyze the ways in which
business and nonprofits use social media marketing to engage customers and develop
a successful business presence on social media using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn,
YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. This certificate is designed to both support students
seeking to expand on their existing knowledge of social media marketing as well as
those new to the field.
Required Courses to earn certificate: ENP-801, ENP-802, ENP-803, ENP-804, ENP-805 (Note: Certificates can be completed in a single term or over the course of several
terms, subject to availability.)
ENP-801 Facebook for Business (Online Asynchronous)
Section #32443 • February 17 - March 20, 2026
Facebook is the most popular social network and a powerful tool for growing and promoting
your business. Create effective profiles, pages, groups, and ads. Establish goals
and learn how and what to post to achieve them. Build relationships with current and
new customers. Increase traffic to your website. Measure the success of your Facebook
marketing. 10.00 hours lecture.
ENP-803 YouTube for Business (Online Asynchronous)
Section #32445 • March 23 - April 24, 2026
Students learn to use YouTube to broadcast user and business-generated videos. Topics
include creating a custom channel and building a following by uploading and sharing
videos that communicate a brand and engage an audience. Students learn to view, upload,
and share videos; create playlists and optimize videos for search engines; and add
annotations, notes, and links. Uploading and editing film for YouTube is also covered.
10.00 hours lecture.
ENP-854 Business Model Canvas and Presentations (Online Asynchronous)
Section #33333 • February 17 - April 10, 2026
Designed to utilize the Business Model Canvas technique, such as value proposition,
customer relationships, revenue streams, and key resources. Students will learn how
to translate Business Model Canvas into powerful sales tools using technology to create
presentations using video, animation, visuals, stories, and simulations. 54.00 hours
lecture.
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English as a Second Language
ESL-846 Beginning American College English
Section #32008 • February 17 – June 12, 2026
Monday & Wednesday; 6:30 - 9 pm
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at beginning level to prepare students
to enter ESL-847. Students will produce a minimum of 1,000 words or more of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on academic paragraph writing in response to reading. 90
hours lecture. (Letter grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
ESL-847 Lower-Intermediate American College English
Section #32009 • February 17 – June 12, 2026
Monday & Wednesday; 6:30 - 9 pm
Advisory: ESL-846 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at a low-intermediate level to prepare
students to enter ESL 848. Students will produce a minimum of 1,750 words of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on academic paragraph writing in response to reading. 90
hours lecture. (Letter grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
ESL-848 Intermediate American College English
Section #32010 (Online Asynchronous) • February 17 – June 12, 2026
Advisory: ESL-847 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at an intermediate level to prepare
students to enter ESL 49. Students will produce a minimum of 3,000 instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on basic essay writing in response to reading. Classroom
instruction integrates writing lab activities. 90 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory.
(TBA option) Letter Grade.
ESL-849 High-Intermediate American College English
Section #32011 (Hybrid) • February 17 – June 12, 2026
Tuesday & Thursday; 9:15 - 10:50 am
Advisory: ESL-848 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at an intermediate level to prepare
students to enter ESL 50. Students will produce a minimum of 4,500 words of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on essay writing in response to reading. Classroom instruction
integrates writing lab activities. 90 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory. (TBA
option) Letter Grade.
ESL-850 Advanced American College English
Section #32012 (Hybrid) • February 17 – June 12, 2026
Tuesday & Thursday; 10:55 am - 12:30 pm
Advisory: ESL-849 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at an advanced level to prepare students
to enter English 1A. Students will produce a minimum of 6,000 words of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on expository essay writing in response to advanced readings
from various sources and a novel. Classroom instruction integrates writing lab activities.
90 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory. (TBA option) (Letter grade only)
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Manufacturing Technology
MAN-835 Computer Aided Manufacturing-Mastercam (In-Person)
Section #33304 • February 17 - June 12, 2026Lecture: Tuesday & Thursday; 5:30 - 7:20 pm
Lab: Tuesday & Thursday; 7:30 - 9:45 pm
Advisory: CIS 1A
A course in computer-aided manufacture of parts and assemblies using MasterCam software. Applications of Numerical Control (NC) programming in machine processes with a focus on turning centers and milling operations. This course includes beginning and advanced programming. 63.00 hours lecture and 81.00 hours laboratory.