Signing Day Checklist (Trade School)

Signing day should feel like a confident “yes,” not a leap of faith. Use this expanded checklist to verify every promise in writing, align your costs with your budget, and lock down the details that matter for labs, aid, and your schedule.

Bring (Documents and Proofs)

• Government‑issued photo ID and any residency documents (if needed for in‑state tuition)
• High school diploma/GED or transcripts; any college transcripts if you expect transfer credit
• Compliance proofs for health/public safety programs: immunization records, TB test results, background check and drug screen receipts
• Aid confirmations: award letter, loan counseling completion, WIOA/Workforce approval, employer sponsorship letter
• Payment method and your Payment Plan agreement (if applicable)

Confirm in Writing (Sign‑Off Items)

• Accreditation & approvals: school accreditor (ACCSC/ACCET/COE or regional), state authorization, any program approvals (see Accreditation & Approvals). Keep screenshots/PDFs.
• Costs: itemized tuition, mandatory fees, uniforms/PPE, tools, exam/cert fees, background/drug/clinical fees. Reconcile to your Cost Worksheet. Clarify what’s included vs extra (see What’s Included in Tuition).
• Labs and equipment: weekly lab hours, instructor ratios, make‑up policy, equipment list with model/age ranges (see Lab Hours & Equipment).
• Outcomes: graduation, placement, and licensure pass rates with definitions and timeframes (see Outcomes & Job Placement).

Policies to Read (No Surprises Later)

• Enrollment agreement: schedule, costs, equipment liability, changes to curriculum, dispute resolution (see Enrollment Agreement).
• Aid policies: disbursement timing, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), withdrawals/refunds (see Financial Aid Policies and Refund & Cancellation Policy).
• Conduct and safety: attendance and PPE rules; consequences and appeals.

Last Checks (Logistics & Next 30 Days)

• Start date/cohort, lab blocks, and blackout dates (see Start Dates & Cohorts). Put them on your calendar.
• Payment plan: auto‑pay dates, late fees, and how plans adjust after disbursements (see Payment Plans & Billing).
• Orientation: date/time, what to bring, PPE requirements (see Orientation & First Week).
• Portfolio: set up folders for costs, approvals, schedules, and labs (see Portfolio and Logbook).

Sample Questions to Ask on Signing Day

• “Can you show me where the refund schedule is in my agreement, and give an example calculation?”
• “What’s the minimum weekly lab time, and what happens if a lab is canceled?”
• “If my WIOA approval arrives after start, can I attend while it’s pending?”
• “Which certifications are prepared for, and are exam vouchers included?”
• “If I have to switch to an evening cohort, how do we update my schedule and aid?”

After You Sign (Same Day)

• Save PDFs of your signed agreement and all policy pages you were shown.
• Set reminders for payment dates and lab start dates.
• Start ordering only the PPE/tools required for Week 1 (see Tool Purchase Plan).

With these checks complete, you’ll avoid costly surprises and start your first 30 days focused on labs, safety, and building a portfolio that leads to fast interviews.

Explore Related Topics:

• Accessibility and Accommodations in Trade School
• Trade School Admissions Checklist
• Apprenticeship vs. Trade School
• Automotive Technology: Training and Entry-Level Certifications
• Avoiding Scams and Predatory Practices in Trade School