Human Services Worker Certificate

Cerro Coso IWV campus

What can I do with this?

The Human Services Worker Certificate of Achievement

  • Prepares students for employment in a broad range of human services settings.
  • Is for students who want to make a difference and help others.
  • Is for students dedicated to improving or maintaining the physical and mental health and general well-being of people.

Find it! Be it! Find out how Cerro Coso Community College is helping students get training and education close to home and gain skills for good-paying jobs.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, the profession of social work is expected to increase more than the average for all other occupations. Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for those who specialize in aging.

You can use this to:

  • Enhance career opportunities as a:
    • Human Services Technician
    • Case Worker
    • Family Development Specialist
    • Recovery Specialist
    • Independent Living Specialist

What will I learn?

  • To articulate the broad concerns and practices of human services industries.
  • To demonstrate four core sets of human services skills: conducting an interview, writing an incident report, participating in team meetings, and providing necessary support and referrals to consumers.
  • To assess situations for appropriate entry level professional, legal and ethical responses.
  • To use supervisory feedback for improved performance.
  • To analyze the cultural components of a human services situation and recommend culturally appropriate interventions.

Program Learning Outcome Assessments


This program was life changing. It gave me the tools and skills to find the job I want.




I have a passion for helping people. The Human Services program gave me the education and guidance to pursue this dream.


What courses do I take?

Note: Some courses within the major may have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the faculty chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation/verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please consult a counselor for more information regarding Prerequisite Challenge.

Complete all of the following courses

Select 6 units from the following courses

Program Pathways

All classes needed for this certificate are available at the following campuses: CC Online

See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.

How can I afford it?

This degree requires 27.0 units and will likely take 3 semesters.

Approximate Total Costs

CA Residents

31.0 units

at $46 per unit

Equals $1,242 in tuition and fees

Plus approximately $1,620* for books and supplies

Total cost $2,862 for 3 semesters

Non-residents

31.0 units

at $388 per unit

Equals $10,476 in tuition and fees

Plus approximately $1,620* for books and supplies

Total cost $12,096 for 3 semesters

*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.

Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA every January.