Enrollment Frequently Asked Question

Should I establish candidacy?

Yes!

Once you establish candidacy in a certificate or specialization program, your path is laid out. Any program updates and curriculum changes that we make after we receive your application will not affect your course requirements.

Some great reasons to establish candidacy

  • Lock in your certificate requirements. This means that even if program requirements change, the requirements to complete your certificate will remain the same for you.
  • Receive program updates
  • Set your intention
  • It’s free.

How do I establish candidacy in a certificate or specialization program?*

Establish your candidacy in a certificate program any time

Once you create your student account, you can establish candidacy in a certificate program.
Note: You must establish candidacy in the certificate program before enrolling in the Certificate Completion Review.

Five years to get it done (or three, for a specialization)

All the necessary units in a certificate must be completed within a five-year window. The clock begins on the first day of your first course in the certificate program. For example, if you started a course on Sept. 5, 2017, you would have to complete all of the required units in this certificate by Sept. 4, 2022.

  • Establishing your candidacy in a certificate program does not trigger the beginning of the five-year window. It begins the first day of the first course that applies to a certificate program.
  • The Certificate Completion Review process does not have to occur within the five-year timeframe.
* Establish candidacy is also known as "declare candidacy" or "enroll in a program."