Accreditation

Accreditation Statement

Cerro Coso Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial, Ste. 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the US Department of Education.

Accreditation Documents

Cerro Coso Community College's reputation for delivering high-quality education has been reinforced with the reaffirmation of accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

Reaffirmation is granted when an institution is found to substantially meet or exceed the eligibility requirements, accreditation standards, and commission policies. In October 2018, a team of Community College professionals from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges came to Cerro Coso campuses for on-site evaluations. All three colleges in the Kern Community College District: Cerro Coso Community College, Bakersfield College, and Porterville College; received reaffirmation based on comprehensive evaluations.

The accrediting process starts on each campus with many hours of hard work by faculty, staff, and administration to ensure that ACCJC's standards are well represented by district wide practices. "Our reaffirmation without qualification is a testament to the quality of our programs, faculty, staff, and students," stated Cerro Coso President Jill Board.

Reaffirmation is an indication of Cerro Coso's commitment to the highest levels of learning and to excellence and continuous improvements in teaching. "We are honored that ACCJC has recognized our institutions stewardship by reaffirming accreditation of Cerro Coso Community College," concluded President Board.

Cerro Coso’s next comprehensive review for reaffirmation of accreditation will take place in 2025.

• Institutional Self Evaluation - 2018
  • Report
  • External Evaluation Report Oct 2018
  • Commission Action Letter, Jan 25 2019

Student and Public Complaints

Most complaints, grievances, or disciplinary matters should be resolved at the campus level. This is the quickest and most successful way of resolving issues involving a California Community College (CCC). You are encouraged to work through the campus complaint process first before escalating issues to any of the following resources. Issues that are not resolved at the campus level may be presented:

• To the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) at http://www.accjc.org/complaint-process if your complaint is associated with academic program quality and accrediting standards. ACCJC is the agency that accredits the academic programs of the California Community Colleges.
• To the CCC Chancellor's Office by completing the web form, available at https://www.cccco.edu/Complaint-Process-Notice, if your complaint does not concern CCC's compliance with academic program quality and accrediting standards.

Certified Nursing Assistant

This program is authorized by California Department of Public Health. To learn more about the agency or to submit a complaint about Cerro Coso Community College's program after trying to resolve the issue through the local Student Complaint Policy, contact the agency at www.cdph.ca.gov.

Medical Assisting

This program is authorized by California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants. To learn more about the agency or to submit a complaint about Cerro Coso Community College's program after trying to resolve the issue through the local Student Complaint Policy, contact the agency at ccbma.org.

Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy

The POST program is authorized by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. To learn more about the agency or to submit a complaint about Cerro Coso Community College's program after trying to resolve the issue through the local Student Complaint Policy, contact the agency at post.ca.gov/Home.

Private and Proprietary Security Academy

This program is authorized by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. To learn more about the agency or to submit a complaint about Cerro Coso Community College's program after trying to resolve the issue through the local Student Complaint Policy, contact the agency at www.bsis.ca.gov.