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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes TATC different from other state colleges?
When and where are courses taught?
What does open-entry, competency-based mean?
What is "competency-based education"?
What is the difference between a course and a program?
What is the difference between open-entry/open-exit and defined courses?
Do I receive anything when I complete my program?
What types of certifications can I receive from TATC training?
Will my credits transfer to another educational institution?
How much will the TATC program cost?
Why is the cost so low?
What makes the TATC different from other state colleges?
TATC does not operate on a traditional semester calendar. Our open-entry, open-exit enrollment approach allows students to enter as openings occur. Students enter a program with the goal of obtaining a marketable skill, taking only the courses that lead to that goal. A student who has prior knowledge, learns quickly, and works hard is encouraged to move ahead and complete courses at optimum speed.
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When and where are courses taught?
Most courses and programs are available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Courses are taught at several locations throughout Tooele County. Check the program or course description for the scheduling information or contact Student Services. To view a specific listing of our locations, click here. Check your course description for the location of your class.
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What does open-entry, competency-based mean?
Open-entry means you can start classes any day of the week. You don’t have to wait for the beginning of a semester. Competency-based means you progress at your own pace through our classes, taking as much time as you need to master different skills. Your instructor will not be lecturing the entire class at one time, but is available to help students at who may be working independently on any number of academic tasks. There are a few courses at the TATC that do have defined starting and ending dates and specific class hours. This information will be listed in the course description, or you can talk to someone in Student Services for more details.
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What is "competency-based education"?
The purpose of TATC courses is to prepare students for the job market. From employers, we have determined the skills or competencies needed by a successful, entry-level worker. The purpose of every course is to assist students in acquiring those competencies needed in the workforce.
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What is the difference between a course and a program?
A course is essentially an individual class which will give you a specific set of knowledge and skills. Courses may be taken separately or as part of a program. When taken as part of a program, a course becomes part of a comprehensive education designed to help you succeed in the workplace. A program is a set of one or more specialized courses which, when added together, will give you the specific skills you will need to succeed in the workforce. The educational content of each of our programs is carefully scrutinized by an advisory board made up of industry professionals and business leaders to make sure you will be learning the skills businesses want their employees to have. Programs also often prepare you for state or industry licensure exams.
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What is the difference between open-entry/open-exit and defined courses?
Most programs and courses at the Tooele Applied Technology College are offered in an open-entry/open-exit environment. Open-entry means you can start classes any day of the week. You do not have to wait for the beginning of a semester. You can then set your own schedule and work at your own pace. Open-exit means that you are finished when you have demonstrated mastery of the required competencies for a course or program. Defined courses and programs have a set start date and end date, fixed class times, and a flat tuition fee. Enrollment in defined courses and programs is offered on a first-come basis until the class is full.
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Do I receive anything when I complete my program? As a Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) campus, TATC is responsible for providing applied technology education that results in appropriate licensing, certification, or skill training to qualify students for specific employment in business and industry. TATC offers long-term and short-term certificate training. In order for students to present their training to potential employers, the TATC provides certificates listing the competencies achieved upon completion of a program. Certificates for individual courses can also be issued upon student request.
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What types of certifications can I receive from TATC training?
Certificate of Proficiency: A certificate that validates that a set of competencies or a number of courses designed to prepare a student for employment or to provide skill upgrade has been completed. The certificate is awarded by the TATC.
Certificate of Skills Competence: A certificate that validates that a single course has been completed (such as a computer course, a word processing course, etc.).
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Will my credits transfer to another educational institution?
High school students who work through their high school counselors may receive high school credit upon successful completion of most ATC courses. The TATC does not issue college credits. All TATC training programs are competency based and designed to move students into the workplace. Therefore, TATC programs do not generally transfer to traditional colleges and universities. However, many TATC programs prepare students to pass industry certifications. Some colleges and universities accept these industry certifications towards college credit.
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How much will the TATC program cost?
High school students do not pay tuition; however, the majority of courses require all students to pay applicable fees. Fees may include the cost of: (a) study guides and books, (b) consumable supplies, (c) specialized clothing, or (d) equipment, tools and software. TATC fees will be waived for students who are on a fee waiver at their home high school. Some programs have equipment, books, clothing, etc. available for checkout for those students on fee waivers. Adults who attend the TATC pay tuition based on the number of hours for which they are registered each month. Tuition is generally $1.55 per hour. Most students average between $80 to $180 dollars a month in tuition. The information pages on individual programs found under Programs also provide an estimate of total costs of each program.
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Why is the cost so low?
As a campus of the Utah College of Applied Technology, the Tooele Applied Technology College is mandated by the Legislature to provide low-cost training to adults and no-cost training to high school students.
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If you have a question that isn’t answered above, please don’t hesitate to contact Student Services at (435) 248-1800 or
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