Article Summary
The basic requirements for trade school admission typically include the following.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Application Form and Fee
- Entrance Exam
- Minimum Age
- GPA
- Verification
- Transportation:
- Physical Requirements
Trade School Requirements vs Higher Education
Trade schools offer a simpler application process and admission requirements than four-year colleges.
For example, a four year college or university will require students to undergo standard admission tests like the ACT or SAT. But trade a school may only require a placement test.
The educational requirements are simpler because trade programs are designed to get you into the work force in a few months. The goal of a trade school education is a job with good pay, rather than a bachelor’s degree.
GPA
Trade schools tend to have a lower required minimum GPA than colleges for admission. However, some require a minimum GPA of 2.0
If your GPA doesn’t meet the required minimum of a school, contact the school counselor to find out if there’s anything else you can do to be admitted.
Trade School Requirements vs Community Colleges
Many community colleges (sometimes called junior colleges) have trade programs, so anyone who attends community college can also pursue a trade. Some trades that a community college can offer include culinary, electrical, and plumbing.
A community college is different from an accredited trade school since community college still has general education classes. A community college also leads to an associate degree, where you get a broad set of skills with lectures, books, and hands-on training. On the other hand, a trade school provides instruction for a certain trade.
So, the requirements outlined below don’t fully apply to community college.
What Are The Requirements for Trade School?
Requirements can vary depending on the institution and state, but below are the common things that trade schools usually look for in applicants.
Note: for the sake of simplicity, we will use the following terms interchangeably:
- “trade school” and “vocational school”
- “vocational program” and “trade program”
High School Diploma or GED
Trade schools normally require a high school diploma or GED certificate. They want to know that applicants have enough of a general education to understand succeed in their training.
GED certificate
If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can get a GED diploma instead.
A GED certificate is equivalent to a high school diploma — so even if you don’t receive a diploma from your local high school, you still have proof that you have the same aptitude as high school graduates.
Verification
Most trade schools will also require verification of your high school graduation. You may have to provide required documents such as a transcript or a copy of the actual diploma. It will need to show the date of graduation.
If none of those are available, then a letter from the school may suffice. The letter will need to contain:
- your name
- social security number
- date of graduation
- statement explaining why the transcript is unavailable
An admissions representative at your prospective trade school can you help sort this out.
But, What If You Don’t Have a School Diploma or GED?
You can go to many trade schools without a high school diploma or GED. But consider the following factors.
Placement Exams
In this case, the school might require a placement test to see if you have the general knowledge needed to succeed in the program.
Personal Essays
Essays or transcripts aren’t always required in lieu of GED or high school diplomas. However, these resources can improve your chances of being admitted.
That’s because they give the school more information about your background. These documents can be personal proof of your commitment to the trade you want to enter.
Letter of Recommendation
Recommendation letters from supervisors can help explain why you’d be a good fit for the school and program you’re applying to.
Financial Aid Options
Also, not having a high school diploma or GED might also mean you have limited financial aid opportunities like federal student loans or scholarships.
Also, remember that even if your school accepts students without a high school diploma or GED, the state you want to work in may require either of those documents before you can be licensed.
Ability to Benefit Program
Despite that, you may still turn to the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program, which lets students without a high school diploma or GED receive financial aid. This means they can also get funding from federal financial aid programs, like the Pell Grant.
To qualify, you may have to pass a proficiency test or complete 6 credits toward an approved college degree or related academic certificate.
Alternatively, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you’re eligible to receive financial aid through the ATB program.
Licensing
Even if your trade school doesn’t require a high school diploma or GED, you may need a diploma if you want to achieve state licensing in the future. After all, some states require a high school or GED diploma before you can be licensed to work in them.
Work Study Programs
Several community colleges accept students into trade programs while they also take classes in the GED program. However, this may mean it takes a bit longer for them to finish their programs.
Are There Trade Schools That Don’t Require a High School Diploma?
While we high encourage you to obtain a diploma before you try to enroll, there are some schools that may accept you regardless of your previous education.
- Beauty Schools: Beauty schools are for those who want to pursue a career in cosmetology such as hair stylists or makeup artists.
- Massage Therapy Schools: Massage therapy school teaches students therapeutic techniques to relieve their clients’ aches and pains. Students will also learn about the structure of the human body.
- Some Technical Trades: Technical trades include electrical technician, CDR truck driving, plumbing, welding, and HVAC, among others.
- Culinary Schools: Culinary trade schools teach you professional cooking skills and the food service industry in general.
Age Requirements
Normally, trade schools require candidates to be at least 17 years old to apply. Those with high school diplomas often automatically hit the age requirement.
Those younger than 17 will need parental consent to enroll. However, those who are 16 and a half years old might be able to apply if they have a release letter from their high school.
Transportation
Some schools will require you to have a drivers license and the ability to get to places beyond the classroom. For example, some apprenticeship programs might need you to travel to a job site.
Specific Program Requirements
A trade school program like plumbing or welding might have physical requirements like the ability to lift or carry heavy objects.
Going Beyond the Basic Requirements
Below are a few factors that can give you an edge over other applicants when you enroll.
Work Experience
Having work experience can make the learning process easier for you. Sometimes practical experience related to the trade may be desired.
However, courses in trade schools are designed for beginners to build up enough knowledge and skills to be able to work productively and safely in their chosen careers.
Admittedly, you won’t learn everything about, for instance, medical assisting in their trade program. However, students will typically learn what they need to get hired — from there, they’ll learn more about their careers.
Apprenticeships
Similar to having work experience, having an apprenticeship before going to trade school can make the learning process easier for you.
However, trade school programs typically don’t have an “advanced” or “upper division” class. That’s because instructors don’t expect students to have any prior knowledge or experience about the trade.
It’s worth noting that trade schools differ from apprenticeships in a few notable ways.
A trade school is an educational institution that provides hands-on training. Meanwhile, an apprenticeship will provide a real world experience that involves on-the-job training.
Apprentices also earn wages as they learn, while trade students don’t. However, you don’t strictly have to choose between one or the other; some occupations will require both.
Conclusion
A Note About Accreditation
Before you enroll, do some basic research on the school of your choice and make sure that it is accredited. Most trade schools are are accredited these days, but check that it is connected with regionally accrediting institution.
For example the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (www.sacscoc.org) accredits schools in Florida and the southeast.
Accreditation means that your career diploma will come from a school with a good reputation. Going to an accredited school may also make a difference when you’re looking for a job since employers may prefer that.
On top of that, if you attend an accredited school, you may be able to receive financial aid, like federal student loans, to pay for your program.
Get Started
Pursuing a career in the trades is a smart choice for those who want to enter the workforce quickly and start earning a competitive salary without the time and expense associated with a four-year university degree.
Trade schools offer specialized programs that prepare you for in-demand careers in a fraction of the time, with many programs allowing you to complete your training in less than two years. Whether you’re interested in plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC, the path to a rewarding and stable career is clear and achievable through a trade school education.
By choosing this route, you’ll gain hands-on experience and the practical skills needed to excel in your chosen field, making it an excellent alternative to the traditional four-year university path.