Jump to the Steps to Get Started!
Meet Madison for a student's perspective on Running Start
Meet Joelyne for a parent's perspective on Running Start
What is Running Start?
Running Start is a Washington State program that lets high school juniors and seniors take college classes and earn both high school and college credit at the same time.
At Clover Park Technical College, Running Start students can choose from hands-on career training programs and general education courses. Classes may be on campus or online, depending on the course.
Running Start students are full college students. You'll have access to college instructors, program counselors, student support services, and student life activities.
Some career programs even allow students to earn an associate degree while completing their high school diploma. Talk with our Running Start Coordinator to see if this option is right for you.
Who is Eligible for Running Start?
- 11th and 12th grade students, as determined by the local public school district, charter school or tribal compact school, have a right granted by the Legislature to participate in Running Start.
- Running Start students are held to the same expectations as all other college students. Attendance, participation, behavior and quality of work must meet college standards.
What is the Cost?
- Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition up to the maximum credit approved by your high school.
- Students are responsible for mandatory fees, program fees, tools, laboratory fees, consumables, books, transportation, and tuition charges above the maximum credit approved.
- Some programs have higher tuition, program lab, tool and supply costs that may not be covered by Running Start. Students are responsible for these expenses. We encourage you to review the program's fee list.
- Students must pay their responsible tuition and fees by the college's deadline.
- Students who qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch (or meet other income requirements) may be eligible for the waiver.
Contact Us
- Email: runningstart@cptc.edu
- Call: 253-589-5548
Join our Q&A Session (Optional)
Running Start Q&A Zoom for General Questions
- Zoom link: https://cptc-edu.zoom.us/j/8918207872
- Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, August 5 @ 3:00pm
- Wednesday, September 9 @ 3:00pm
Virtual Onboarding (Mandatory)
- This is for new students who have decided they will be attending Running Start at CPTC.
- All new students must complete an onboarding session (along with application to the college and required paperwork) before they can register for classes.
- See dates and times under Step 6.
- Zoom link: https://cptc-edu.zoom.us/j/8918207872
How to Get Started
The first step in enrolling as a Running Start student is to begin exploring to see if this is the right option for you.
NEW STUDENT APPLICATION DATES (for students wanting to start in Fall or Winter Quarters)
| FALL QUARTER | WINTER QUARTER | |
| RUNNING START DEADLINE TO APPLY TO CPTC | August 31, 2026 (4 weeks prior to quarter start) | December 7, 2026 (4 weeks prior to quarter start) Apply by October 9, 2026 to receive priority registration date |
| VIRTUAL MANDATORY RUNNING START ONBOARDING SESSION | Sept 1, 2026, 5:00pm Sept 22, 2026, 5:00pm | TBD |
| EVF DUE DATE | September 14, 2026 | Priority: October 23, 2026 Final: December 14, 2026 |
| REGISTRATION* | May 15, 2026 – September 27, 2026 | Priority: November 2, 2026, 1:00pm Open: November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027 |
| NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION | Sept 24, 2026, 9:00am-12:00pm | December 15, 2026, 9:00am-12:00pm |
| FEES DUE | Sept 14, 2026 | December 17, 2026 |
| FIRST DAY OF QUARTER | Sept 28, 2026 | January 4, 2027 |
| LAST DAY TO ADD CLASSES WITHOUT INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION & LAST DAY TO GET ENROLLED FROM THE WAIT-LIST | Sept 29, 2026 | January 5, 2027 |
*Registration holds will remain on student accounts until the above steps are complete and all paperwork is correctly submitted and processed. Students should complete all steps and register as soon as possible since classes may fill up quickly.
Whether you’re still deciding if Running Start at CPTC is right for you or you’ve already applied to the college, your first step is to let us know of your interest so we can email you more information and/or your next steps to do Running Start at CPTC.
Complete the Running Start Interest Survey, which will include gathering information such as your high school, grade level, contact information, and more.
Attending an Information Session is highly encouraged but not required; however, it is mandatory for the following programs: Cosmetology, Esthetic Sciences, Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Professional Pilot, Aviation Maintenance Technician*, and Human Services. [*requires joining a waitlist due to popularity of the program.]
Program Information Sessions are led by instructors, who will highlight specifics about the program you may be interested in, and are a great way to see if it’s the right fit for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and see the classroom space (when attending an in-person session).
We also offer a couple of options to learn more about Running Start itself:
- Watch the Running Start Information Video [coming soon!].
- Join a Q&A session on Zoom to get general questions answered.
- Both students and parents are encouraged to attend.
- Please see the “Join our Q&A Session” section of this webpage for upcoming dates and times.
The application is free and does not obligate you to attend. It can take 3-5 business days to process, so it’s good to get this process started if you are at all considering attending CPTC. You will not be able schedule an appointment with the Running Start Counselor until you have been admitted to the school and have a Student ID Number.
- Apply to CPTC: https://apply.ctc.edu/user.
- Look for a welcome email admitting you to the college within 3-5 business days of applying.
When filling out the application, be sure to select "Running Start" from the "I will be enrolling as a..." drop-down menu. Then select "Professional Technical" as your program, the term you wish to begin Running Start classes at CPTC, and the degree or certificate you are seeking. See the example below.
If you are pursing Pre-Nursing studies, you'll select "Academic" for your program:
After completing Steps 1 and 3, you will automatically receive an email with a link to watch the virtual Running Start Onboarding Session. Then you will complete the Onboarding Session Completion form also sent in the email. Both are required.
If you have completed both steps, but have not received the email with the Onboarding Session links (and remaining steps), be sure to check your spam folder. If more than two days have passed and you still have not received the email, please reach out to us at runningstart@cptc.edu to request the Onboarding Session.
Alternatively, you can attend one of our live virtual Running Start Onboarding Sessions via Zoom: https://cptc-edu.zoom.us/j/8918207872.
- Tuesday, September 1 @ 5:00pm
- Tuesday, September 22 @ 5:00pm
Before the session, you should activate your ctcLink account and watch the Registration Video.
Review a Program Map online for your program of interest to see possible classes.
You must meet with your High School Counselor to discuss your interest in doing Running Start at CPTC. They will help you understand your remaining high school requirements and which classes will be eligible for dual credit. They will also fill out the “Counselor/Administrator” portions of your Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) and their signature is required.
- CPTC Running Start Dual Enrollment Disclaimer Form (PDF)
- Running Start Enrollment Verification Form Digital Signature 2026-2027 (PDF)
- Program Maps – For use in guiding your intended class selection.
Email completed Running Start paperwork to runningstart@cptc.edu, or drop it off in person at the Advising & Counseling office in Building 17, Room 150 on the Lakewood campus.
You must submit all paperwork (and complete the virtual Running Start Onboarding Session and Completion form) before the Enrollment Hold can be removed from your account.
Before submitting your paperwork, be sure that:
- You are using the correct form for the year and term you wish to attend.
- You have completed the entire “Student” section at the top left of the form.
- All signatures are present on the form: high school counselor/administrator, student, and parent/guardian (if the student is under age 18).
- You have included both sides of each form in your files/printouts.
Required Forms:
- CPTC Running Start Dual Enrollment Disclaimer Form (PDF)
- Running Start Enrollment Verification Form Digital Signature 2026-2027 (PDF)
Email completed Running Start paperwork to runningstart@cptc.edu, or drop it off in person at the Advising & Counseling office in Building 17, Room 150 on the Lakewood campus. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing.
- Schedule a new student appointment with the Running Start Counselor to complete your Program Map (can include help with registering for classes)
- Call the Advising & Counseling office at 253-589-5548 to schedule
- Confirm Registration date & time
- Add classes to Shopping Cart and register for classes
- Make a plan to pay for fees & books (Running Start only covers the cost of tuition)
- Register for New Student Orientation
- Set up CPTC Email account (must wait 24 hours after registering for classes)
- Set up Canvas account (requires CPTC email)
- Know your first day of classes
High-Demand Program Notice:
Enrollment into high-demand programs may take several quarters (even up to a year or more), and because enrollment cannot be guaranteed, Running Start students in certain programs may be advised to earn their high school diploma through their high school while completing college coursework at CPTC. These programs include:
- Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts - must attend Program Information Session and be added to waitlist
- Professional Pilot - must attend Program Information Session and be added to waitlist
Eligible Programs:
- Accounting
- Architectural Engineering Design
- Associate of Pre-Nursing (DTA)
- Automotive Technician
- Automotive Collision Technician
- Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Barbering Certificate (must be at least 16 ½ to begin)
- Central Service/Sterile Processing (must be at least 17 ½ to enroll)
- Construction Technology
- Computer Programming
- Cosmetology (must be at least 16 ½ to begin; evening availability)
- Culinary Arts (permission codes required)
- Digital Entertainment and Design
- Early Care & Education (evening availability)
- Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security
- Environmental Science
- Esthetic Sciences (must be at least 16 ½ to begin; evening availability)
- Graphic Design Technology
- Heating & Air Conditioning Refrigeration/Service Technician
- Human Services
- Interior Design
- Manufacturing Technologies
- Massage Studies (must be at least 17 ½ to begin)
- Mechatronics
- Network Operations & Systems Security
- Non-Destructive Testing
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- Pastry Arts (permission codes required)
- Pharmacy Technician (must be 18 at the start of 5th quarter clinicals)
- Professional Pilot (must be at least 16 ½ to begin)
- Retail Business Management (online only)
- Welding (evening availability)
Pre-Requisite Classes For:
- Dental Assistant (must be 18 to enroll and must have high school diploma/GED)
- Histology Lab Technician (must be 18 to enroll and must have high school diploma/GED)
- Medical Lab Technician (must be 18 to enroll and must have high school diploma/GED)
- Practical Nursing Certificate (selective admissions; must be 18 for clinicals)
- Surgical Technician (must be 18 to enroll and must have high school diploma/GED)
Ineligible Programs:
- Health Unit Coordinator (must be at least 17 ½ to begin and must have high school diploma/GED)
- Lineman & Arboriculture