What is Tech Prep?

Tech Prep is a way to start a college technical major in high school. In a Tech Prep program, you begin your course of study in high school and continue in a community or technical college. The result is a certificate or associate degree in a career field.

Tech Prep programs combine the academic courses needed for success in college AND technical courses that begin to prepare you for a career. Students in Tech Prep programs can earn college credit through:

  • Content-enhanced articulated courses
  • Dual credit (concurrent enrollment); and/or
  • College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Program and Course Articulation.

A key component of Tech Prep is program articulation, which is a planned process linking educational institutions and educational experiences to assist students in making a smooth transition from one level of education to another without experiencing delays or duplication in learning. A program articulation agreement is a signed document that indicates the specific responsibilities of the secondary school, the post-secondary institution, and the student.

The agreement also includes an outline of a recommended high school graduation plan and a two-year degree, certificate, or apprenticeship program plan. Together these are called a 6-year or Tech Prep plan. Within articulated Tech Prep programs are articulated courses, high school courses that contain the same course content as an equivalent college course, and for which a postsecondary institution has agreed to award college credit if the student meets requirements outlined in the course articulation agreement.

Tech Prep and High School Graduation Plans

Graduation Plan Mimimum Program Recommended HS Program
(RHSP**)		 Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP**)
Tech Prep Not Recommended Recommended Encouraged
    A Tech Prep student should complete as many courses in the RHSP as possible. Most Tech Prep articulated courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher count as DAP advanced measures.

 **Tech Prep students completing the RHSP or DAP also meet criteria for recognition as a Texas Scholar.

Tech Prep Programs (6-year educational plans)

Tech Prep programs prepare today's youth for high-demand technical careers by offering a focused, sequenced program of secondary and postsecondary study consisting of a four-year high school graduation plan, based on the Recommended High School Program, and a two-year associate of applied science (AAS) degree plan (or two-year postsecondary apprenticeship program).

Known as 6-year plans (4+2), Tech Prep educational plans may also include provisions for continuation for a baccalaureate degree (4+2+2) and/or enhanced opportunities in military service.

The high school graduation plan includes two or more career and technology courses totaling three or more high school credits. One or more of these career and technology courses is eligible for college credit either through course articulation or dual credit.

•  Click here to see a sample Tech Prep program .

•  Click here to see a comparison of ways to earn college credit in high school .

The 6-year program of study is supported by career guidance and counseling and teacher and counselor staff development activities to help ensure success of Tech Prep program participants.