How Does Tech Prep Work?

Students enrolled in Tech Prep can earn college credit in high school courses that are formally aligned – articulated – with college courses.  Teachers from high schools and colleges work together to ensure the high school classes match the course competencies of the college-level course. 

Most of the ‘Tech Prep’ high school classes articulated are part of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and they connect with a college certificate or degree.  There are CTE programs across Washington’s community and technical colleges representing all high-demand, high-level professions, from construction to health care to information technology. 

Tech Prep students gain tremendous advantages by preparing for their post-secondary education while in high school. They pursue the credential that is right for them – it may be an associate or bachelor’s degree, or a post-secondary industry certification.   

Tech Prep is a dual credit program, which means you earn high school AND college credit for completing the same course.

Typically, a student begins his or her Tech Prep program of study in 9th grade, and can link two or more years of high school with at least two years of college.  Some students begin exploratory Tech Prep courses in 9th and 10th grades.

See questions students and their families commonly ask about Tech Prep at our Student FAQ.