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College Credit Types

Students who graduate from Ohio career tech high school programs can earn college credit and continue their pathway at Cincinnati State, Southern State, Miami University, University of Cincinnati and/or other public colleges, for high school courses that match college learning outcomes. To different forms of credit that can be awarded are Articulated Credit or Transcripted Credit.

  • Articulated Credit – Articulated credit is not recognized on a student’s college transcript until that student enrolls in a college that is authorized to confer the particular credit.

  • Transcripted Credit – Transcripted Credit is recognized on a student’s college transcript upon successful completion of the college course. The high school student is enrolled at the college at the time the student is taking the college course. This is typically facilitated via the College Credit Plus program.

CTAGs (Career Technical Assurance Guides) are course alignments created by the Ohio Department of Higher Education finding curricular similarities between college coursework and high school career technical courses.

According to Ohio law, students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits among Ohio’s public colleges and universities and equitable treatment in the application of credits to admissions and degree requirements.

• CTAG is the alignment between secondary and post-secondary career tech content

• CTAG credit is available for state-approved high school courses that match college course competencies.

• Credit is documented on a college transcript when the student enrolls in a college program that aligns to the high school career technical pathway.

• CTAG credit is described as advanced standing or transfer credit. It is ungraded and indicates student eligibility to by-pass introductory technical courses and start at a more advanced level.

ITAGs are a statewide transfer initiative that guarantees the awarding of college-level credit to students who earn agreed-upon, industry-recognized credentials. The award of credit is based upon the knowledge, skills, and competencies gained throughout credential attainment, regardless of where the learning to prepare for the credential took place.

While CTAGS indicate state course alignment, bilateral articulation and regional agreements reflect local needs and partnerships. College faculty collaborate with secondary instructors to create strong educational partnerships that reflect area job demand. Articulated credit reflects this collaboration and regionally- specific course credit opportunity.

• Bilateral articulation addresses unique local needs and/or situations

• A bilateral agreement between a high school or district and a college partner program specifies credit availability and qualifications

• Upon student matriculation to the college, bilateral college credit is awarded based on a test, certification by high school instructor or postsecondary program chair recommendation.

• Credit is recognized on a college transcript as advanced standing or transfer credit. It is ungraded and indicates student eligibility to by-pass introductory technical courses and start at a more advanced level.

• Regional Agreements are like Bilateral Articulation Agreements except they are valid for all programs/courses meeting the criteria in the region.

Ohio’s College Credit Plus can help you earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. Taking a college course from a public college or university College Credit Plus is free. College Credit Plus is free for all public school students who wish to attend a public Ohio university or college. There may be fees for homeschooled students, or students that wish to attend a private university of college.

Explore your Transfer Options

A tool that offers a comprehensive listing of approved CTAG programs and courses that can be transferred to Ohio public institutions is available. You can search by program and school district with the option to view specific colleges or a listing of all institutions that have equivalent courses.