Noncredit English as Second Language

Noncredit ESL offers free English as a Second Language courses to adults.

Why Take Noncredit ESL courses?

SMC's Noncredit ESL courses:

are free for adults 18 and over*
are open-entry. This means you can enroll at any time during the semester
give you the skills you need to succeed at work, school and in your community
can help you prepare for credit coursework
allow you to earn Certificates of Competency in English as Second Language
are for students who do not need college credit or units
can help students prepare for the USCIS Citizenship Test

*F1 Visa students are not eligible for Noncredit courses

SMC's Noncredit ESL professors:

have professional training and advanced degrees in teaching students whose native language is not English
are experts in language acquisition, second language teaching, and linguistics
speak other languages and many have taught and/or studied abroad
are a diverse group of experienced and well-qualified individuals who are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic, professional, and personal language learning goals

Santa Monica College’s Noncredit ESL Program offers a variety of core courses and support courses. There are five levels of instruction from beginning to high advanced. The program offers courses in listening/speaking, reading/writing, and vocabulary as well as specialized courses to help you prepare for the USCIS Citizenship test and courses that can help you prepare for specific career pathways. The noncredit counselor can help you select the level and courses that are right for you. Courses are offered Monday-Saturday, in the mornings and evenings. Classes are held in-person and online. Check our class schedules.

List of Current Course Offerings

Fall 2026 Class Schedule

Noncredit Certificates