Frequently Asked Questions for Parents!

  1. What is Tech Prep?
  2. How does it work?
  3. Which classes at my son or daughter’s school are Tech Prep classes?
  4. My son/daughter registered for Tech Prep at school, how can I see what they registered for?
  5. My son/daughter registered for Tech Prep at school, how can I see what they registered for?
  6. What is a Tech Prep ID number? 
  7. Is a Social Security number mandatory when registering for Tech Prep classes?
  8. My student took Tech Prep classes last year but didn’t apply for credit.  Can we do it now?
  9. My student is going to a university, will the credits transfer?
  10. When will we receive the college transcript?
  11. How do I get an official copy of my student’s college transcript?

What is Tech Prep?
College Tech Prep is a nationwide program that creates a bridge between the secondary and postsecondary education systems allowing high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while at their high school. The courses are taught at the high school, but considered part of a college degree and/or certificate program that aligns to programs of study at the college. Our office works closely with career specialists and CTE directors in 9 school districts and also with college faculty from 4 local community/technical colleges to facilitate the process.

How does it work?
Tech Prep classes are taught in local high schools by qualified high school instructors. Any high school student may take a Tech Prep course, but only those who register and successfully complete the courses with a "B" (3.0) or better, will earn college credit. Students must register online.

Which classes at my son or daughter’s school are Tech Prep classes?
Information about tech prep classes is available in the career center of your student’s high school. You can also view a current list of Tech Prep classes offered at your student’s school on our Dual Credit Courses page. Find your student’s school district. This link will open a printable document that shows which classes are available for credit, at which college, and how many credits the class is worth. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

My son/daughter registered for Tech Prep at school, how can I see what they registered for?
You can review their registration on the online registration system accessible through our website. Your student will need their TP ID number and birth date to log back in to the system.

What is a Tech Prep ID number? 
The TP ID number is an automatically generated student number from our online system. It is NOT a high school or college student ID number. Students will need their TP ID number and their date of birth in order to log back into the system. If your student does not remember their ID number, they can contact our office directly.

Is a Social Security number mandatory when registering for Tech Prep classes?
No, you do not have to enter a social security number when registering for Tech Prep. This is an optional field. 

My student took Tech Prep classes last year but didn’t apply for credit.  Can we do it now?
No, in order to be eligible for Tech Prep credit, a student must register for the Tech Prep program during the same school year that they are enrolled in the Tech Prep high school class. 

My student is going to a university, will the credits transfer?
Students receive actual college credit from the college they choose to receive credit from when they register, for each course they successfully complete. If a student does not plan to attend that college, they can request an official transcript be sent to the college of their choice. Transferability of credit always depends on the receiving institution; however, universities are required to evaluate the transcript. Many students have had their credit accepted at other colleges in and out of state; however, there is no guarantee. If the credit does not directly transfer, it often may be used as elective credit or to satisfy a prerequisite. In addition, many students have found that having college credits on their resume helps them in their job search or gain access to desired internships or apprenticeships. Tips for handling credit transfer are available on our website.

When will we receive the college transcript?
The college that is awarding credit will generate transcripts after the end of the school year (summer quarter). The transcript will be mailed from the college directly to your home address in late August.

How do I get an official copy of my student’s college transcript?
Students should contact the college that awarded their credit directly.  Direct links are available below:

 

COLLEGE

 

WEBSITE

Bellevue College

Cascadia Community College

Lake WA Technical College

Shoreline Community College

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: By enrolling in this program your student is creating a real college transcript that will become a part of their permanent college record and a permanent part of their future college GPA.

Download a printable version of these FAQ's (PDF)

View Student FAQ's

View our Education and Career Resources page!