Commercial Transportation and Maintenance (CDL)

The Commercial Transportation and Maintenance (CTM) program teaches the basic knowledge and skills to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle successfully and safely in inter-state commerce.

Upon successful completion of the CTM program, students will be qualified to take the Washington State Department of Licensing’s knowledge and skills tests to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).  This program is designed for licensure/certification in the State of Washington. Grays Harbor College cannot guarantee the transferability of licensure, certificate, or credential to another state.

GHC offers two pathways for completing the CTM program:

Certificate of Achievement

This pathway is 6 weeks long and runs for a total of 240 hours, providing more than the minimum training hours required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

• This certificate is not eligible for standard State or Federal financial aid. However, you may qualify for Workforce Funding, which may provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the program (see Financial Assistance below).

Certificate of Completion

This pathway requires two academic quarters, which include the following courses:

• Introduction to Diesel Technology
• Intermediate Diesel Technology
• English
• Math
• Social Science

Following the successful completion of two academic quarters, the third quarter will include 6 weeks of core CTM courses (total of 240 hours).

• This certificate is eligible for standard State or Federal financial aid to those who qualify.
• Workforce Funding may provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the program to those who qualify (see Financial Assistance below).

Dates Offered

All courses are held at the Satsop Development Park in Elma, WA.

Summer (2024): July 1 to August 12

• Registration: Open May 9 – June 24, 2024 (or until class fills)
  Time: Monday - Friday, 7:00am – 3:00 pm

Fall (2024): September 23 to November 1

• Registration: Open May 9 – September 16, 2024 (or until class fills)
  Time: Monday - Friday, 7:00am – 3:00 pm

Winter (2025): January 6 to February 14

• Registration: Open October 31 - December 22, 2024 (or until class fills)
• Time: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:00 pm

Spring (2025): April 14 to May 23

• Registration: Open February 13 to April 7 (or until class fills)
• Time: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:00 pm

Prerequisites

The following prerequisites are required for the program:

1. Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license;  
2. Have a driving record with no DUI, negligent, reckless, or hit and run infractions within the past five years;
3. Have no more than three moving violations in the past 36 months (a state vehicle operating requirement);
4. Have no felony convictions that qualify as disqualifications from having a Commercial Driver’s License as defined by the Washington State Legislature.
5. Must be able to pass the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug screen;
6. Must be able to pass CDL Knowledge Tests and obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) through the Washington State Department of Licensing;
7. Must be able to pass GHC’s reading placement test;
8. Be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify for local or WA state only commercial driving (intrastate);
9. Be a minimum of 21 years of age to qualify for long-haul commercial driving (interstate).

Tuition and Course Fees

The CDL program tuition and course fees are as follows:

• Summer 2024 only
  Tuition: $1,540.90* (Washington Resident. Non-Resident will be higher)
  Course Fees: $2,537.40

Total: $4,078.30 *Based on the 2023-24 Tuition & Fees schedule as approved

• Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

Tuition: $1,625.65* (Washington Resident. Non-Resident will be higher)
Course Fees: $2,676.98

Total: $4,302.61 *Based on an estimated 5.5% increase as established by the State of Washington. Amount is subject to change.

Other Fees

The approximate costs below are required prior to registration:

• Full Driving Record: $13
• DOT physical (physician must be DOT certified): $100-$200
• GHC placement test (reading only): $5
• CDL Knowledge Tests: $35
• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): $40

Apply

A limited number of seats are available in the CTM program each quarter. Interested students are encouraged to complete the application process as soon as possible as seats are filled on a first-come-first served basis.  To apply, applicants must:

1. Apply to Grays Harbor College
2. Apply for Workforce Funding (more details below)
3. Schedule and pass a GHC reading placement test. If you are a previous college student (any college or technical school), you can submit an unofficial transcript to marjie.stratton@ghc.edu in lieu of taking the GHC reading placement test.
4. Have the following documents completed and ready to upload:
   • UA Authorization
   • Risk Acknowledgement
   • Training Funding Agreement
   • Obtain a Full Driving Record
   • Obtain a DOT approved physical exam
   • Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) - must pass CDL Knowledge Tests to obtain permit
5. Apply to the CDL Program and Upload Documents

Registration

Once all required documents have been received and successfully processed, GHC will arrange for registration into the course. Please note the registration timelines above.

Financial Assistance

You may be eligible for funding assistance to help you meet your career goals.

Workforce Funding

By enrolling in the CTM program, you may be eligible for funding, resources and support to help you meet your career goals. Visit Workforce Funding’s webpage to apply.

Questions

Contact Marjie Stratton at (360) 538-4011 or marjie.stratton@ghc.edu.

Career Information

Some career fields that require a Class A CDL include: DOT, PUD, diesel mechanic, and working for the county.

Employment Resources

• WorkSource Washington

Career Examples 

• Dump truck driver
• Log truck driver
• Chip truck driver
• Concrete truck driver
• Tanker driver
• Dry van driver