✦ Partner Program
Santa Monica College

Receptionist

Free noncredit certificate building computer, Microsoft Office, and customer-service skills for front-office jobs.

1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

🎯 Workforce Development Program
💸 altAid Eligible
Hybrid
Part-time
Program at a glance
FreeTotal cost
4 monthsProgram length
*Completion rate
~$45KMedian grad salary
* This program doesn't collect and report this data. The median salary is a Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate for Receptionist

Open-enrollment noncredit courses offered year-round across Fall, Spring, and some Summer/Winter terms; sections vary by semester

No experience required

Program Philosophy

Santa Monica College's noncredit (School of Continuing & Community Education) initiative offers tuition-free, short-term training to help adults build job-ready skills and bridge into credit college or the workforce. Classes are open to the community with no prerequisites, removing cost and access barriers so motivated learners can gain marketable, entry-level skills and a certificate of completion in a single semester.

Started in

Visit program website

Best For

Front-desk/office job seekers wanting computer and MS Office skills

Time Commitment

Three courses (BUS 911 Customer Service Level 1, CIS 902 Basic Computer Skills, CIS 903 Fundamentals of Microsoft Office). Customer Service is typically online (Thursdays); computer courses meet on campus (BUS 255) Wednesdays plus arranged hours. Varies by term.

What You'll Gain

Windows, MS Office, internet, and customer-service skills for front-desk roles

Cost & Outcomes

🙌🏽 Free Training
program cost

This training is completely free. Santa Monica College noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free, with no repayment, no student debt, and no hidden program costs. Enrolled students who need a computer can borrow a free Chromebook from the Noncredit Student Services team while supplies last.

💸 Financial Assistance
how altAid funding can helpTransportation to campus computer lab sessions; technology and internet access for online course; food and household needs; childcare during class hours
Learn more about altAid
*Completion rate (most recent cohort)
*Employment rate within 1 year
~$45KThe median salary for Receptionist
*Total graduates since founding
* This program doesn't collect and report this data. The median salary is a Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate for Receptionist.

Who This Program is Built For

This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.

Low-income
Unemployed/Underemployed
Immigrants & Refugees
First-Gen College Students
English Language Learners
Adult learners re-entering the workforce

What Sets This Program Apart

Tuition-free, open-enrollment noncredit certificate

Combines computer skills (Windows, MS Office, internet) with customer service

Directly targets front-office/reception job titles

Hybrid format with online and hands-on computer lab courses

Completed in about one semester across three short courses

Day in the Life

Daily Structure
  • Wednesday morning computer lab class on the main campus, from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m., plus 1.5 hours of arranged work with the instructor each week
  • Hands-on practice with Windows, basic internet skills, and Microsoft Office Online applications
  • Thursday evening live online customer service class (6:00 to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Practice with interpersonal techniques for greeting and assisting visitors at a front desk
📄 Instructor Credentials

Taught by Santa Monica College noncredit faculty who meet California Community Colleges minimum qualifications, which set degree and field-experience requirements for noncredit instructors.

Skills Gained

Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.

Basic Windows and computer skills
Microsoft Office Online applications
Basic internet skills
Interpersonal and customer-service techniques
Front-office / reception skills

Highs & Lows

hardest part

Juggling three courses in two formats, an on-campus morning computer lab and an evening online class, while building computer skills from the ground up.

most rewarding part

Becoming comfortable with Windows and Microsoft Office and seeing a direct link between class skills and front-desk job titles.

Possible Career Outcomes
Receptionist

Welcome visitors, manage calls, and schedule appointments efficiently.

💰 $45K Median Salary
📈 -2% Job Growth
Reception/front-office roles can advance to office coordinator, administrative assistant, or office manager, and build toward further CIS or business certificates.

Employment Support

Noncredit counseling and workshops to help students plan next steps into jobs or further college coursework

Career Services Center support, including career counseling, job search help, and the HireSMC job board where local employers post openings

City of Santa Monica job resources offered with local workforce partners to connect job seekers with local employment

partner Employers

How It Works

1

Apply to SMC as a student (free) at smc.edu/apply to get an SMC ID and student email

2

Register for the noncredit course(s) through Corsair Connect, or email NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu or call 310-434-3399 for help enrolling

3

Attend classes and complete all required courses in the certificate's area of emphasis

Petition for the Certificate of Completion

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.

All SMC noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free.

No. SMC noncredit classes are open to the community with no prerequisites (intermediate or higher ESL is recommended for some courses).

Adults 18 and over. F1 student visa holders are not eligible for noncredit courses.

Apply at smc.edu/apply, then register through Corsair Connect or contact the Noncredit office at 310-434-3399 / NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu.