Certificate of Performance vs.
Certificate of Achievement

Program Basics:

• The certificate of Performance is a 10-unit program that focuses on a core coaching and lifestyle medicine curriculum plus one related elective. 

• Requires four total courses. Students typically take two courses in each of their two semesters in the program.

• Is an approved training program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). 

• Total tuition cost for California residents is $460 for the entire program. 

• Total tuition cost for out-of-state residents is $3,560 for the entire program.

Key Differences:

• This program is not eligible for financial aid. If you wish to complete this pathway but require financial aid or have GI Bill or other specific benefits, please email kgraham@sdccd.edu or rmhernan@sdccd.edu for further instructions. 

• Certificates of Performance awards do not show up on transcripts. The courses themselves will show up on your transcript, but the certificate title will not.  

• Students who complete Certificates of Performance are not eligible to walk at Mesa's annual commencement ceremony (graduation). 

• Students who complete Certificates of Performance may not count any previous coursework to replace courses in the program. The core program courses and elective(s) must be completed within the San Diego Community College District.

Program Basics:

• The Certificate of Achievement is a 19-unit program that includes the core coaching and lifestyle medicine curriculum and additional required coursework in public health, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and communications. 

• Requires seven total courses. Students typically take three to four courses per semester in each of their two semesters in the program.

• Is an approved training program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). 

• Total tuition cost for California residents is $874 for the entire program. 

• Total tuition cost for out-of-state residents is $6,764 for the entire program.

Key Differences:

• This program is eligible for financial aid such as the GI Bill and other tuition specific benefits. 

• Certificates of Achievement awards do show up on transcripts. This may be personally important for students who do not have any other degrees or certificates. 

• Students who complete Certificates of Achievement are eligible to walk at Mesa's annual commencement ceremony (graduation). 

• Students who complete Certificates of Achievement may have some previous coursework counted toward electives only. The core program courses must be completed at Mesa, but students may petition to count previous coursework toward the business, communications, nutrition, and/or public health categories.