What is Tech Prep?
- Tech Prep is a dual-credit program that allows high school students to earn college credit while enrolled in specific, approved professional career and technical education (CTE) courses that meet high school graduation requirements.
Am I eligible for Tech Prep college credit?
- If you are a student in 9th to 12th grade who are enrolled in a high school CTE class that is articulated for college credit, then you are eligible to participate in Tech Prep. Check with your high school counselor or advisor for more information.
How do I register for Tech Prep credit?
Do I have to leave my high school campus to earn this credit?
- No, one of the many advantages to Tech Prep is that you don't have to leave your high school campus to participate. You simply register online and while enrolled, be sure to obtain the necessary grades and meet all the deadline requirements.
How do I find out which high school classes are eligible for Tech Prep credit?
- You can view the list of articulated classes from our High School Partners and Articulations page, or we encourage you to contact your high school counselors and advisors. Your high school handbook of course offerings should also list those classes that are eligible for Tech Prep and the college(s) for which the class articulates.
How much will Tech Prep registration cost me or my family?
- One of the best advantages to Tech Prep college credit is that it is absolutely FREE; saving you and your family a huge savings in college tuition!
What requirements must I meet as a student to receive college credit?
- Meeting deadlines is imperative to earning Tech Prep credit. You need to register online, print, and sign the confirmation page, and mail to the Director of Tech Prep at CBC by the appropriate deadlines. In addition, you must maintain an 85 percent grade point average for EACH semester enrolled in the Tech Prep eligible class. A combined semester average will not count. Not meeting these requirements will result in the failure to earn the Tech Prep college credit.
Are there restrictions or deadlines on when I can register for Tech Prep credit?
- Yes, you must register for Tech Prep credit online through the Student Enrollment Reporting System (SERS) in the year in which you take the high school class. Typically, your instructor will register you and your classmates during the first semester of a one-semester course or during the second semester of a year-long course.
Am I eligible to earn Tech Prep credits from classes I previously took?
- No, you can only earn Tech Prep college credit during the same year in which you are enrolled in the articulated high school course. Back dating of college credit for courses taken in previous academic years is not accepted.
How many college credits can I earn though Tech Prep?
- There is no "official" limit to the amount of Tech Prep credit you can obtain while in high school. The more college credit you earn, particularly in your focused program of interest, the more prepared you are to be successful in your career pathway. Tech Prep gives you an opportunity to complete your degree sooner, spend less, and start earning higher wages sooner!
Do my Tech Prep credits transfer and to where?
- Tech Prep credits will transfer within the Washington state community college system. The transferability of your Tech Prep college credits to four-year colleges is dependent upon the receiving institution. Many students have had their college credit accepted at other colleges in Washington and even out of state; however there is no guarantee for direct transfer. You can typically use up to 15 of the credits as restricted electives in a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA).
How will I know if I've earned Tech Prep credit?
- As a student with login access to the Student Enrollment Reporting Systems (SERS) website, you can always check the system for the status of credit progress. Typically, colleges will begin the transcription process during the summer concluding your academic year in high school with a college transcript completed by September 1. If you've met the eligibility criteria and are on schedule to earn Tech Prep credit, you can expect some type of congratulatory correspondence by late summer with an unofficial copy of your transcript enclosed.
When will I see my grade on a transcript?
- You should expect the CBC staff of admissions to begin processing Tech Prep class registrations and grading in the summer months following the conclusion of your Tech Prep class. Grades from high school teachers are typically due before the end of June so staff can begin processing the transcription of grades which should be posted to a college transcript by September 1.
What number is used for student identification?
- Once you create a profile account in the Tech Prep SERS system, you will receive a student identification number beginning with a TP in a format of TP#-##-###. By using your Tech Prep ID, your login and/or password, you will be able to access your account to check the status of articulations, change teachers, or make updates to your profile.
- Concluding the academic year you earn Tech Prep credit, a CBC student identification number will be assigned to you. This unique CBC SID will be sent to you in a congratulatory letter and will give you access to your college transcript and other future campus activities.
How do I get my transcript?
- CBC will transcribe college credit during the summer quarter following the completion of the course. A copy of your unofficial transcript will be mailed to you with a congratulatory letter on behalf of CBC. To request your original transcript be mailed (electronically or manually) to another college, be sure to use the Docufide service and follow the instructions on the CBC Transcripts page.
What do I do when I'm getting ready to go to college?
- If you're planning to attend the college in which you've already earned Tech Prep credit, your credits are already there and awaiting you! Simply use the unique CBC student identification number included in your congratulatory letter and on the enclosed unofficial transcript.
- If you're planning to transfer your credit to another school, be sure to request an official copy of your transcript be sent (manually or electronically) to the institution of your choosing for evaluation of transferability. Visit our CBC Transcripts page for more information.