Tuition-Free College Credit

1140 W. Mission Rd., Room AA-136, San Marcos, CA  92069 - 760-744-1150 ext. 2293 - pblack@palomar.edu

What do I get when I finish my ROP class?

• Every student who successfully completes an ROP class through Palomar College receives a personalized "Certificate of Competency" which shows the class taken as well as the date of completion.

• Every student receives a list of Competencies which details what he or she accomplished in class.

Am I Certified?

• Although you do receive a Certificate of Competency, you may require additional coursework or testing for industry certification.  For example, although Palomar College ROP courses can prepare students for industry certification, A+ (computer technician) or MOS (software applications), students need to take the tests through other agencies.  Students would contact the appropriate agency for testing sites and procedures.

What, if any, industry certifications does Palomar College ROP offer?

• Palomar College ROP offers the EPA Certification Exam through the Refrigerant Recovery class.  Students must complete the course in order to take the test which is administered as the final exam.

What happens if I take my ROP class for College Credit?

• Your ROP class and the grade earned will show on a Palomar college transcript.  In most cases, classes will count toward Palomar College Certificates of Proficiency, Certificates of Achievement or Associate Degrees.  Click on the appropriate link at the bottom of this page to see what is available in each program.

• Students are not assessed tuition fees for ROP classes.  College credit for ROP classes is free.

How do I sign up for College Credit?

• Get a Palomar College Student ID number and contact the ROP office before the credit deadline dates.  Contact the ROP office at ext.2293 or 2301 for specific dates.  Students are not assessed tuition fees for ROP classes.

If miss the Credit Deadline, do I have to take the class again to get credit?

• Yes, you would have to repeat the class and sign up for credit before the next deadline.  Palomar College ROP gives students ample time to sign up for college credit.  In most cases, you are given at least half the semester to decide whether you would like the class for credit.

What is a Certificate of Proficiency?

• Certificates of Proficiency are designed to certify basic workplace competencies and job readiness for students entering into or currently in the workforce.  The required courses total 17 units or less.  Click on the links below to find the required courses for each Certificate you are interested in earning.

What is a Certificate of Achievement?

• Certificates of Achievement are awarded upon completion of required course work in a specific vocational/occupational program.  The required courses total 18 or more units.  The course requirements for a a Certificate of Achievement can generally be applied to an associate degree and the program of concentration becomes the degree major.

What is an Associate Degree?

• An Associate in Arts (AA) Degree is awarded upon completion of course work totaling not fewer than 60 degree applicable units in areas of:  a) General Education, b) Major, c) Electives.  Skill classes for some degree requirement may be taken through ROP.  You may not earn an AA degree by taking ROP courses only as ROP does not offer General Education courses.  Contact a Palomar College counselor to find out what other courses need to be taken in addition to your ROP courses to obtain an associate degree.

How are Certificates or Degrees awarded?

• Certificates and degrees are not automatically awarded.  Students need to apply - preferably during the first part of the semester or summer session in which the final required course(s) will be completed.  Contact the Palomar College Evaluations Office at 760-744-1150 ext. 2165 or stop by their office in the Student Services Building (SSC).  Application deadlines are:
  Spring - February 28                        Summer - June 30                          Fall - September 30

• If you miss the deadline for a particular semester, submit the application anyway.  You will receive your Certificate or Degree the following semester.

How do I get my Certificate or Degree?

• Associate of Arts degrees and Certificates of Achievement will be conferred formally at Commencement at the end of each Spring semester.  However, students will receive their degree or certificate following the close of the semester in which they apply for graduation.

• Certificates of Proficiency will not be awarded at the Palomar College Commencement Ceremony.  They will be mailed to students following the close of the semester in which they apply.