Spanish Certificate of Achievement

This certificate will prepare you to develop an understanding of Hispanic cultures and literature, fostering fluency in the Spanish language across all areas: speaking, reading, comprehension, and writing. Additionally, it will sharpen your critical thinking skills and expose you to a diverse range of Latinx authors. Moreover, it will prepare you to pursue potential employment opportunities that require proficiency in the Spanish language within the workplace.

This certificate is a steppingstone that brings students closer to transfer to a four-year university as it provides the required core for the AA-T in Spanish. Therefore, students who successfully complete the certificate will be able to communicate competence at a proficient conversational and writing level.

How can I request the Certificate of Achievement?

Once you've fulfilled the certificate requirements described below, proceed with the following steps:

  1. Download the Certificate of Achievement Petition form (PDF).
  2. Complete the top section of the form.
  3. Submit the petition(s) to admissions-info@cerritos.edu 
  4. For complete or additional information, visit Admission & Records Graduate Petition Information page

What are the benefits of earning a Certificate of Achievement in Spanish?

Obtaining a certificate of achievement in Spanish can be beneficial for several reasons:

  • Language Proficiency: A certificate signifies your proficiency in the Spanish language. It provides evidence of your ability to communicate effectively, understand written and spoken Spanish, and navigate various linguistic situations.
  • Career Opportunities: Many employers value bilingual candidates, and having a certificate in Spanish can enhance your resume. It opens up opportunities in industries where Spanish proficiency is an asset, such as international business, translation, tourism, and more.
  • Personal Development: Learning a new language is a valuable skill that contributes to personal development. It broadens your cultural understanding, enhances cognitive abilities, and improves communication skills.
  • Global Communication: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally. A certificate in Spanish enables you to communicate with over 460 million people worldwide and opens doors to exploring Spanish-speaking cultures.
  • Educational Pursuits: If you plan to pursue further education or academic research, having a certificate in Spanish can be advantageous. It may fulfill language requirements for certain programs or demonstrate your commitment to diverse academic pursuits.
  • Travel and Cultural Exploration: If you enjoy traveling or have an interest in Spanish-speaking cultures, a certificate in Spanish can enrich your experiences. It allows you to navigate and engage with local communities more authentically.
  • Networking Opportunities: Being proficient in Spanish can expand your professional network. It enables you to connect with people from Spanish-speaking countries, fostering relationships and collaborations on a global scale.
  • Cultural Appreciation: Learning Spanish provides insights into the rich history, literature, and art of Spanish-speaking cultures. It allows you to appreciate and understand cultural nuances, fostering a deeper connection with the global community.

Overall, obtaining a certificate of achievement in Spanish not only validates your language skills but also opens up a countless of opportunities for personal and professional growth in an increasingly interconnected world.

What are the requirements?

Upon completing the following study plan in one of the two categories and earning a total of 19 units with a grade of "C" or higher, please fill out the application mentioned at the top of this page and follow the instructions.

Spanish Non-Heritage Speaker Certificate of Achievement

Required Courses Units
SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish I 5
SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish II 5
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I 5
SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II 4
Total Certificate Requirements 19

Spanish Language Heritage Speaker Certificate of Achievement

REQUIRED COURSES UNITS
SPAN 111 Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers 5
SPAN 112 Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers 5
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I 5
SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II 4
Total Certificate Requirements 19