The Communication, Digital Skills and Leadership for the Workplace Certificate provides students with the necessary skills to become effective communicators and strong leaders in today's workplace. It also introduces best practices and an awareness of digital literacy with the information, media, and technology needed in the workplace. The program draws from the New World of Work and 21st Century employability skills which were developed by a panel of employers, entrepreneurs, human resources specialists, educators, and students. Communication skills, digital literacy, and practice in empathy, self-awareness, and collaboration were determined to be some of the essential employability requirements of our emerging global economy. The program certificate provides 21st century employability skills to support and prepare students to succeed and thrive in the 21st century workforce.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Demonstrate the skills and traits in areas of communication, digital skills, and leadership to successfully enter a rapidly changing jobs market and workplace in the 21st century.

The Enrolled Agent Exam Preparation Certificate of Completion gives students the opportunity to gain the knowledge that is essential for passing the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). This certificate prepares students to start their own tax preparation business or to work as specialized tax preparers in CPA and EA firms. The program prepares students for the IRS Enrolled Agent exam, known as the SEE (Special Enrollment Exam). Topics include taxation of individuals, inheritance, gifts, and estates; taxation of small businesses, partnerships, farmers, C corporations, S corporations; taxation of not-for-profit entities, foreign corporations, and retirement plans. Other topics include fiduciary tax returns, determination of tax-exempt status, practice before the IRS and tax preparer rules. Possible job titles for students who complete this program include but are not limited to Enrolled Agent, Tax Preparer, Bookkeeper, Tax Auditor or Tax Accountant.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to:

🗸 Explain the terminology, concepts, principles, and ethics tested on the Enrolled Agents exam.
🗸 Using the proper formats, perform the calculations and explain the steps to solve the problems tested on the Enrolled Agents exam.
🗸 Identify the different sections of an individual income tax return and what comprises those sections.

The Bookkeeping Certification at West Valley College focuses on helping students develop bookkeeping skills that enable them to successfully pass the state's Bookkeeping Certification exam and become a certified Bookkeeper in California. Students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of essential bookkeeping functions, accounting cycles and cash systems, debits and credits; analyze business transactions; create a trial balance; and adjust entries and reconcile bank statements used in bookkeeping. The program provides the foundation required for success in calculating payroll, completing payroll taxes, and preparing payroll records and reports, focusing on practical applications as well as theory. The elective courses give students a chance to explore software programs used in Bookkeeping, such as Excel and Quickbooks, and learn the fundamentals of spreadsheets using Excel software typically used in accounting and bookkeeping. The program also offers instruction of the steps in the accounting process for a service or merchandising company using Quickbooks. Possible job titles for students who complete the Bookkeeping Certification include but are not limited to: Bookkeeper, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Payroll Clerk.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Demonstrate the bookkeeping skills required to successfully pass the state's bookkeeping certification exam and become a certified bookkeeper in California
🗸 Produce reports required to successfully calculate payroll, complete payroll taxes, and prepare payroll records and reports.
🗸 Evaluate accounting problems and design and construct Excel spreadsheets to solve those problems and/or record economic events and prepare financial statements for a service and/or merchandising company using QuickBooks software.

The Small Business Fundamentals and Growth Certificate equips students with the extensive skillset, strategic insights, and practical skills necessary to manage and scale a successful small business enterprise.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Develop a growth strategy for a small business by identifying growth opportunities, creating marketing plans, and outlining strategies for sustainable expansion.
🗸 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business principles by outlining a comprehensive business plan encompassing market analysis, financial projections, and operational strategies.
🗸 Formulate compelling funding proposals and investment plans by integrating financial data, market analysis, and growth strategies to attract potential investors or secure funding.

The Beginning ESL Success noncredit certificate is for non-native English speakers at the beginning to high-beginning level. This certificate demonstrates completion and acquisition of foundational English skills needed for college success, and career and personal growth. This certificate also prepares students for the rest of the ESL program.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ demonstrate academic paragraph and sentence-level skills.

✔ demonstrate foundational reading and vocabulary skills.

✔ demonstrate critical-thinking skills and preparation for the rest of the ESL program.

✔ demonstrate foundational listening and speaking skills.

The Intermediate ESL Success certificate is for non-native English speakers at the intermediate level. This certificate demonstrates that students have acquired intermediate-level English skills needed for college success, career, personal growth, and more. This certificate also prepares students for higher-level classes within the ESL program.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ demonstrate ability to self-edit sentences and paragraphs.

✔ demonstrate academic paragraph and short essays skills.

✔ demonstrate intermediate reading and vocabulary skills.

✔ demonstrate critical-thinking skills and prepare them for the rest of the ESL program.

✔ demonstrate intermediate listening, and speaking skills.

The beginning ESL for career success certificate is for non-native English speakers at the intermediate-to-high-intermediate level. This certificate demonstrates that students have acquired critical English and digital media literacy skills needed for career and academic success, personal growth. This certificate also prepares students for advanced ESL and transfer-level classes.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ communicate effectively using a variety of online formats and computer programs.

✔ identify reliable sources of information on the internet.

✔ research, identify, and apply to online employment opportunities.

✔ create effective cover letters, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ self-edit paragraphs and essays.

✔ develop academic paragraphs and thesis driven essays.

✔ demonstrate high-intermediate reading and vocabulary skills.

✔ demonstrate critical-thinking skills.

✔ demonstrate high-intermediate listening and speaking skills.

The ESL for Technology certificate is for nonnative English speakers at the beginning-to-intermediate levels who wish to improve essential computer skills for college. Completion of this certificate demonstrates proficiency in the technological skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly digitized academic environment.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ Create, save, and share well-formatted text documents in different formats.

✔  Navigate online learning platforms and online college resources.

✔  Use essential computer programs and online resources to complete college assignments.

✔  Communicate effectively and appropriately online.

The Beginning ESL for Career Success certificate is for non-native English speakers at the beginning-to-intermediate level. This certificate demonstrates that students have acquired foundational English skills needed for career success, personal growth, and more. This certificate also prepares students for the rest of the ESL program.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ demonstrate basic computer technology-related skills (e.g. computer applications, emails, files, etc.)

✔ demonstrate employment readiness skills (e.g. job searches, resumes, interviewing, etc)

✔ demonstrate critical-thinking skills.

✔ demonstrate foundational listening and speaking skills.