Explore Dropdown

We teach English to students from many countries and who speak many different languages. Classes are small, so you can communicate with your professors and other students. There are courses for students with basic to advanced skills, and some are tuition-free, non-credit courses. 

ESL Program Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Which classes should I take?
This depends on your goals and how much time you have to study. Your class level will depend on how much experience you have reading, writing, and speaking in English. Talk to a counselor to decide which classes to take.

What is the difference between noncredit and credit classwork?
The lessons, assignments, tests, homework, and attendance requirements are the same. View Noncredit versus Credit Classes (available in English, Farsi, Chinese, Spanish and Russian translations).

Understanding the ESL Classes and Levels

View ESL Program Overview (available in English, Farsi, Chinese, Spanish and Russian translations).

Course Levels

We offer five levels of courses from novice to advanced.

The letter at the end of the course number refers to the type of skills you will be learning. For example, ESL 20C is a composition class.

C = Composition (Reading & Writing)
S = Skills for Success
O = Oral Skills (Listening & Speaking)
G = Grammar 
P = Pronunciation
T = Technology
F = Film

ESL Level	Courses
Advanced	20C, 24P, 25C, 25G, 25L, 30C
Intermediate-High	530C, 530S, 530O, 532G 830C, 830S, 830O, 832G
Intermediate	520C, 520S, 520O, 522G, 522F, 522P, 522T 820C, 820S, 820O, 822G, 822F, 822P, 822T
Novice-High	510C, 510S, 510O, 512G, 512P, 512T 810C, 810S, 810O, 812G, 812P, 812T
Novice	800

Noncredit

Classes	Description
800, 810, 812, 820, 822, 830, 832	Free tuition Proof of residency is not required Pass/No Pass Grade Can repeat

How to Apply

For more information or to get help, email enrollmentservices@sierracollege.edu or call (916) 660-7340.

How to complete the Sierra College online application

How to prepare for class registration

ESL Certificate Program

Students can earn ESL certificates at intermediate-high and advanced levels.

The following plans show the order of classes that lead to each certificate. 

Students may not need to take all the classes. This will depend on the level at which you begin.

Please meet with a counselor to discuss your certificate options.

English as a Second Language Academic Preparedness — Skills Certificate

Term 1

Course	Units
ESL 25C or ESL 30C	5
ESL 25L	3
ESL 25G	3
TOTAL	11

English as a Second Language Intermediate-High Oral Skills — Noncredit Certificate

Term 1

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 800	0
TOTAL	0

Term 2

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 810O	0
ESL 810G	0
TOTAL	0

Term 3

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 820O	0
ESL 822G	0
TOTAL	0

Term 4

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 830O	0	Required
ESL 832G	0	Required
TOTAL	0

English as a Second Language Intermediate-High Writing and Reading Skills — Noncredit Certificate

Term 1

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 800	0
TOTAL	0

Term 2

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 810C	0
ESL 810S
TOTAL	0

Term 3

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 820C	0
ESL 822S	0
TOTAL	0

Term 4

Course	Units	Notes
ESL 830C	0	Required
ESL 830S	0	Required
TOTAL	0

Resources

• ESL Program Student Learning Outcomes
• View Classes and Levels in the ESL Program (available in English, Farsi, Chinese, Spanish and Russian translations).