If you need a better job soon, a certificate or short skills course is usually the fastest path, because it takes weeks instead of years and focuses on skills employers ask for right now. A degree still makes sense for some careers. Our 40-hour Career Readiness certificate and 12-hour Excel and QuickBooks courses are built for people who want to move quickly.
The right choice depends on your goal, your timeline and your budget. Here is a simple way to decide.
When a degree makes sense
Some careers require a degree, full stop. Many licensed professions and some management tracks fall into this group. If your dream job lists a degree as a requirement, plan for it.
A degree is a bigger commitment of time and money. Many people work and take short courses first, then pursue a degree later with a clearer goal.
When a certificate or short course is the better move
- You need income soon and cannot step away for years.
- The jobs you want ask for specific skills, like spreadsheets, bookkeeping or customer service.
- You want to test a new field before committing to it.
- You already have experience and just need to fill one or two gaps.
Short courses also give you something new to put on your resume right away.
Short courses you can start in weeks
- Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training (40 hours, $1,200): communication, public speaking, digital skills, financial literacy, job readiness, business planning, resume and mock interviews.
- Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials (12 hours, $297): formulas, charts, Word and Outlook basics, plus a portfolio spreadsheet. Pay for Excel.
- QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials (12 hours, $297): invoices, bills, bank reconciliation and financial reports. Pay for QuickBooks.
We are also launching in 2027, taught by certified partner instructors; interest list open now. Industry certifications such as Forklift Operator, OSHA 10-Hour, CPR/First Aid/AED and IT certifications are on the way. See certifications.
How to decide in 10 minutes
- Write down the exact job title you want next.
- Read five real postings for it.
- Note whether they require a degree or list specific skills.
- If they list skills, start with a short course. If they require a degree, plan for it and take a short course to earn more in the meantime.
Want help choosing? Our free Monday info session is a good place to ask. You can also browse evening, weekend and online training options.
Class details
- Class: Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training, a 40-hour certificate.
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9 to 11 AM, November 23 to December 22, 2026 (no class November 26 and 27). The next cohort starts in January 2027.
- Format: In person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Price: $1,200.
- What you get: communication, public speaking, digital skills, financial literacy, job readiness, business planning, a finished resume, mock interviews and a certificate of completion.
- Funding: Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the Career Readiness pay link or on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
For the short courses, use the Excel pay link or the QuickBooks pay link.
Not ready to decide? Join our free info session and orientation every Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on /enroll to get the link.
FAQ
Is a certificate as good as a degree?
They serve different purposes. A degree is required for some careers. A certificate or short course is often the faster way to add job-ready skills.
How long does the Career Readiness certificate take?
It is 40 hours: Monday to Friday, 9 to 11 AM, from November 23 to December 22, 2026, with no class November 26 and 27. The next cohort starts in January 2027.
Are these classes available online?
Yes. Every class is offered live online from anywhere in the U.S. and in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076.