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California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

Program at a Glance

  • Complete in as little as 6 months
  • Five online courses
  • Digital badge awarded upon completion 
  • $2,460

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Build Expertise. Reduce Risk. Deliver Results. 

Successful compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)—one of the most consequential environmental laws in the state—requires a strong understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of the law. Build comprehensive expertise to confidently navigate CEQA compliance from initiation through approval. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll earn a digital skills badge demonstrating your proficiency in this topic. 

Who Is This Program For?

  • Early- to mid-career environmental planners and consultants
  • State and local agency staff overseeing CEQA projects
  • Land use and environmental attorneys
  • Civil engineers and real estate development professional

Which Courses Apply to the Program?

The CEQA Practitioner Program includes the following required courses:

  • Project Management for CEQA
  • CEQA: A Step-by-Step Approach
  • Successful CEQA Compliance: An Intensive Seminar
  • Mitigation Measure Development and Monitoring
  • Developing and Writing Effective CEQA Documents

These five courses fulfill the certificate program requirements.

  • Other CEQA courses listed are short, intensive offerings designed to provide focused knowledge on specific CEQA topics. While these courses may complement the program curriculum and support professional development, they are not part of the CEQA Practitioner Program requirements.

You’ll Learn How To:

  • Interpret and apply CEQA requirements and relevant case law
  • Prepare initial studies and determine when an EIR is required
  • Establish and defend thresholds of significance
  • Develop clear, effective mitigation measures
  • Review CEQA documents for adequacy and defensibility
  • Manage CEQA projects and interdisciplinary teams
  • Communicate effectively with agencies, stakeholders and the public

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does the program work?

  • Complete five required online courses within one year or less. The courses for this program are: Project Management for CEQA, CEQA: A Step-by-Step Approach, Successful CEQA Compliance: An Intensive Seminar, Mitigation Measure Development and Monitoring and Developing and Writing Effective CEQA Documents. 

    Courses combine pre-recorded lectures with live, interactive sessions and Q&A. All materials are delivered through Canvas and Zoom, providing flexibility for working professionals.  Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a digital skills badge to showcase on LinkedIn.

  • Are there any prerequisites?
  • There are no formal prerequisites. However, familiarity with environmental planning, land use processes or public agency review procedures is recommended.
  • How much time should I expect to commit?
  • Each course requires several hours per week, including lecture review, live participation and applied coursework. The program is structured to accommodate full-time professionals.
  • Do you offer program discounts?
  • Yes, there are numerous discounts available, including group discounts and discounts for Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) members. Please note that discounts cannot be combined.
  • Is this program applicable outside of California?
  • The curriculum focuses specifically on CEQA and California regulatory requirements. However, the analytical approaches to environmental impact assessment, mitigation and public review are broadly applicable to environmental compliance work nationwide.