Sustainability Services Technician
Free online noncredit certificate in environmental assessment methods and clean-technology systems for entry-level green jobs.
3171 S. Bundy Dr., Office 112, Los Angeles, CA 90066
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.
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People seeking entry-level environmental assessment or clean-tech roles
Two online courses (SST 901 Fundamentals of Sustainability and SST 904 Sustainability Assessment). Fundamentals runs about six weeks; both completed within the same academic year. Varies by term.
Environmental assessment methods and clean-technology skills for entry-level green jobs
Cost & Outcomes
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.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Tuition-free, online noncredit certificate for California residents
Covers materials and environmental assessment methods
Introduces clean-technology systems and practices
Shares a common Fundamentals of Sustainability course with other sustainability certificates
Flexible online delivery; completable within one academic year
Day in the Life
- About 4.5 hours a week of online coursework per course, arranged with the instructor
- Lessons on materials and environmental assessment methods
- Introduction to clean-technology systems and practices
- Practicing basic sustainability assessments and ways to apply sustainability in the workplace
Taught by Santa Monica College noncredit faculty who meet California Community Colleges minimum qualifications, which set degree and field-experience requirements for noncredit instructors.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Taking several online courses at the same time in Fall 2026 and learning technical assessment methods with little prior background.
Gaining practical assessment and clean-technology skills that lead to entry-level green jobs, at no cost.
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
How It Works
Apply to SMC as a student (free) at smc.edu/apply to get an SMC ID and student email
Register for the noncredit course(s) through Corsair Connect, or email NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu or call 310-434-3399 for help enrolling
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.