FAQ & Eligibility

Common questions

Am I eligible?

You qualify if you are 18 or older, live in California, and your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. That threshold depends on how many people live in your household:

Household sizeAnnual income at or below
1 person$31,300
2 people$42,300
3 people$53,300
4 people$64,300
5 people$75,300
6 people$86,300
Each additional+ $11,000

Based on 2025 federal poverty guidelines for the contiguous US. If you're close to the line, apply anyway — program staff review borderline cases individually.

How much does the program cost?

Nothing. The CASF Digital Literacy Program is fully funded by the California Advanced Services Fund. There is no cost to participants — ever.

How long does the program take?

Eight hours of training total, typically delivered across 2–4 sessions over one to two weeks. Cohorts run online, in person, and hybrid — pick the format that fits your schedule.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. Once you complete 8 hours of verified training you'll receive a Certificate of Completion, issued automatically. Each certificate has a unique verification code so employers can confirm it's real.

What will I learn?

Four modules: Internet safety (passwords, scams, privacy), Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive), Job search skills (modern resumes, applying online, interviews), and AI tools (using ChatGPT safely for everyday tasks).

Do I need a computer to participate?

No. Depending on the cohort, laptops and internet hotspots may be provided to eligible participants. Ask about device availability during registration.

What if I can't attend every session?

Talk to your instructor — sessions can often be made up in another cohort. The only fixed requirement is 8 total hours of attended training to earn your certificate.

Is my information kept private?

Yes. Your registration information is used only to administer the program and required grant reporting to the California Public Utilities Commission. We never sell participant data.

Ready to register?
Takes about five minutes. We'll match you with the next open cohort.