Clock Hours vs. Credit Hours in Trade School

Trade schools often use clock hours, while colleges often use credit hours. Know which your program uses—this affects pace, financial aid packaging, and how easily credits transfer.

Clock Hours

• Measures actual instructional time (e.g., 750–1,500 clock hours for a certificate)
• Common in intensive, hands‑on programs
• Financial aid is often disbursed by completed clock‑hour/payment periods

Credit Hours

• Bundles instruction, lab, and out‑of‑class work into a single number per course (e.g., 12–18 credits/term)
• Common in community colleges and degree programs

Why It Matters

• Pace: clock‑hour programs may run year‑round; credits follow academic terms
• Aid: packaging and disbursement schedules differ
• Transfer: credit hours transfer more easily; clock hours may require conversion

Questions to Ask

• Is the program measured in clock or credit hours?
• If clock hours, how are aid disbursements scheduled?
• If I might pursue a degree later, do you have transfer/articulation agreements? See Transfer & Articulation

Related Guides

• Funding: Financial Aid Guide • Financial Aid Policies
• Compare: School Comparison Checklist

Explore Related Topics:

• Accessibility and Accommodations in Trade School
• Accreditation and Approvals for Trade Schools
• Trade School Admissions Checklist
• Apprenticeship vs. Trade School
• Automotive Technology: Training and Entry-Level Certifications