ctcLink for Students

Step 1: ctcLink Login. Activate your account. You must use the ctcLink Full Site to activate your account.

Step 2: Activate Your Account. Enter First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Step 3: Password and Recovery Information. Enter your recovery email, select security question, recovery code for (SMS) text message, enter phone number or voicemail message, enter phone number.

Step 4: Password and Recovery Information.
Enter Password – must have at least 8 characters that include:

• At least 1 uppercase letter
• At least 1 lowercase letter
• At least 1 number

Confirm Password – enter your newly created password again 
Click Submit  

Step 5: Your ctcLink Identification Number 

After you’ve clicked the Submit button – a popup window and message will display to provide your new ctcLink Identification number (ctcLink ID) 

Take a screenshot of your new ctcLink ID# with your smart phone and also write it down and store someplace safe because it’s not easy to recover! 

Click the OK button for Account Activation confirmation (popup message)

Keep Your Credentials Safe 

IMPORTANT: Keep a record of your ctcLink account information on your private smartphone and/or a secured password manager to help you recover your ctcLink login credentials, as needed. 

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Video: Account Activation

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Activation instructions in other languages:

• How to Activate Your Account (PDF): Pashto | Persian | Russian | Ukrainian

For tips on how to use ctcLink, you can take this free and easy course. You will learn to:

1. Set up your user preferences and personalize your Student Homepage.
2. View the Student Homepage Profile Tile to update Personal Information such as name, email address, phone number, address, emergency contacts, ethnicity information, and privacy restrictions.
3. Review the Student Homepage Tasks Tile to view and update holds and to-do list items (service indicators, checklists).
4. View and Use Message Center.
5. Use the Student Homepage Manage Classes Tile to manage enrollments and class schedule (add, drop, swap, search for classes, browse the course catalog, view my classes, use the shopping cart, enroll by my requirements, manage class planner)
6. Review and Understand the Student Homepage Academic Progress Tile to understand academic progress and academic advisement information, apply for graduation and view graduation status.
7. Review the Student Homepage Academic Records Tile to view course history, grades and transcripts.
8. Use the Student Homepage Financial Aid Tile to access and view financial aid data for a given year, view awards summary and accept or decline financial aid.
9. Review the Student Homepage Financial Account Tile to view student financial account and make payments.

Enroll for Classes by Class Search (Full Site)

Step 1: Click on Student Homepage and select Manage Classes.

Step 2: On the left select Class Search and Enroll. 

Step 3: Select the Term and Institution (Renton Technical College). 

Step 4: At the top of the page you can enter a keyword to search for specific classes. Then click on the Search button. 

Filters, on the left side various filters will display for you to narrow your search results:

Step 5: Select a Course and the class sections will display.

Step 6: Open Class Details, select the Class hyperlink to view details.

Step 7: On the Class Information Window, at the top of the page, you can enter a keyword to search for specific classes. Then click on the Search button.  

• Class Details 

• Meeting Information 

• Enrollment Information 

• Class Availability 

• Textbook/Other Information  

Step 8: Click on the Close (X) button to close the Class Information window.

Step 9: To enroll in this class, click on the right arrow (>) 

Step 10: The Class Search and Enroll guide displays in Review Class Selection on the left-hand side of the screen. Select the Next link at the top right of the page.  

Step 11: The Review Class Preference page will display, input Wait List preference or Permission Number (if applicable) and select the Accept button.

Step 12: The Enroll or Add to Cart page will display, select Enroll then the Next button. 

Step 13: The Review and Submit page will display, once you select the Submit button, a submit confirmation page will display.  

Step 14: Select the Yes option to confirm submission.  

Note: A message bar at the top of the page will appear to confirm the course has been added or errors will display.  

Typical errors include not meeting an enrollment requirement, a time conflict, full class, etc.

Step 15: Submission Confirmed. The updated Confirmation page will display. Select View My Classes on the left side to confirm that your class has been added.

Enrollment Issues? 

If you are experiencing issues with enrolling for classes, first try clearing your internet browser history and try again.

If you are still experiencing issues, please contact Enrollment Services for assistance.

Enroll for Classes by Class Search (Mobile)

Step 1: Open Class Information on the left, select the Class Information menu  

Step 2: Select Class Search on the left, select Class Search 

Step 3: Select Term, select the appropriate term using the Term dropdown menu 

Step 4: Set Search Criteria, use the provided tools to help specify your search criteria.

Step 5: Begin Search, once the search criteria has been set, click on the Search button.

Step 6: Review Search Results, your search results will appear. Click on a listed class to expand the details.

Step 7: Review Search Results

Step 8: Confirm Enrollment, a pop-up will open with Enrollment options. If needed, enter a Permission Number, and check the Waitlist if the class is full if you’d like to be added to the waitlist. Click on Save.

Step 9: Success: If successful, you will see confirmation that the class has been added to your schedule.

Step 1: Open Enrollment on the left, select the Enrollment menu

Step 2: Select Shopping Cart on the left, select Shopping Cart

Step 3: Add Class by Class Number on the top right, click Add Class and then Add by Class Number

Step 4: Enter Class Number and click Add

Step 5: Permission Number if a Permission Number is needed for the class, enter the Permission Number and click Save. If not, skip and click Save.

Step 6: Variable Credit Classes, if you are enrolling in a variable credit class, enter the number of units (credits) and start date. Click Save.

Step 7: Class Added to Shopping Cart the Class has been added to your Shopping Cart.

Step 8: Enroll in the Class on the top right, click Enroll.

Success: If successful, you will see confirmation that the class has been added to your schedule.

Step 1: Class Information on the left, expand the Class Information menu.

Step 2: Class Search select Class Search.

Step 3: Set Search Criteria

3a. Use the provided tools to help specify your search criteria.

3b. Once the search criteria has been set, click on search button.

Step 4: Review Search Results your search results will appear. Click on a listed class to expand the details.

Step 5: Identify Class Status within the details you will see a status of "O" if the class is open to enrollment and a "W" if there is a waitlist.

Step 6: Enroll for the Class to enroll in the selected class, click on the three dots on the right, and select enroll.

Step 7: Confirm Enrollment & Join Waitlist

7a. A pop-up will open with enrollment options. If needed, enter a Permission Number in the box provided.

7b. Select check-box "Wait list if class is full" to be added to the waitlist

7c. Click on Save

Step 8: Waitlist Results you will see confirmation that you have successfully been added to the class waitlist and your position number.

Step 9: Confirm Waitlist you may confirm your class waitlist by selecting Dashboard on the left, and selecting the General tab.

Step 1: Main Page on the left, select Enrollment to expand the menu.

Step 2: Select Drop Classes from the list of options

Step 3: Review Classes—you will now see the list of classes you may drop. Review this list to determine which class(es) you’d like to drop.

Step 4: Select Classes on the right, select the class(es) you’d like to drop by adding the checkmark.

Step 5: Drop Classes—once you have made your selections, select Drop.

Step 6: Confirm Drop—A popup window will open to inform of drop results. Select OK.

How do I pay for classes in ctcLink (Full Site)?

Step 1: Student Homepage, click on the Financial Accounts title and select Payments.

Step 2: Select Make a Payment.

Step 3: Review Amounts Owed

Step 4: Specify Payment Amount, under Payment Amount and click on Next.

Step 5: Confirm Payment, by selecting Continue to Make Payment.

Step 6: Complete the Billing Page, you will be directed to the billing page. Complete each of the tabs to enter your billing information, enter payment, review and submit your payment.

Payment Complete. Congratulation! You now completed a payment on your financial account.

Quick Links:​

• Tuition
• Tuition Payment, Deadlines, and Options​
• Financial Aid Services​

Unable to Make a Payment on ctcLink?​

• Please clear your browser’s Internet history, try a new browser, use a different device, ​or log into an incognito window.​

How do I pay for classes in ctcLink (Mobile)?

Step 1: Homepage, on the left, expand the Financial menu.

Step 2: Select What I Owe.

Step 3: Review Charges. Your outstanding charges will be displayed. Review the total amount due.

Step 4: Confirm Payment. Click on the Make Payment button on the top-right.

Step 5: Account Balance. You will be brought to the web-view of ctcLink. Click on the Payments menu to expand it.

Step 6: Select Make a Payment.

Step 7: Specify Payment Amount. You will be presented with the outstanding charges you can pay online. Under Payment Amount, type in the amount you want to pay.

Step 8: Proceed with Payment. Once you have selected the amount, click on Next.

Step 9: Confirm Payment. Review the payment amount before proceeding. When ready, click on Continue to Make Payment.

Step 10: Enter Billing Information and Payment Details. Click on Next.

Step 11: Confirm Amount and Submit Payment. Make your final review on the payment to be submitted. When ready, click on Submit.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed your payment online.

Step 1: Login Page 

Step 2: Select Forget Password, click on Password Help and select Reset Password. 

Step 3: Enter ctcLink ID, select your desired method to reset your password. 

Step 4: Create New Password, follow the instructions sent to your desired method of communication (Text, Voice Call or Email). 

New Password is Ready: your password will be reset right away. Log back in to ctcLink.

Step 1: Academics on the left, select Academics to expand the menu.  

Step 2: Select Grades from the list of options.  

Step 3: Grades Page Displays  

At the top select the Term drop-down to look at the applicable Term. 

View your class grades under the heading OFFICIAL

How to Update Biographical Information (Full Site)

How to Add a Preferred Name

Step 1: On the Student Homepage tile, select My Profile

Step 2: Personal Details

On the right, select (1) Personal Details

At the top, select (2) Personal Tabs

Click on the (3) plus (+) button under Names

Step 3: (1) Fill in the form and click (2) Save

How to Add Gender Identity

Step 4: Adding your Gender Identity

(1) At the top, select the Biographic tab

(2) At the bottom, click on Gender Identity

Step 5: Select your (1) Gender Identity and (2) Save

How to Add Sexual Orientation

Step 6: At the bottom, click on (1) Sexual Orientation

Step 7: Select your (1) Sexual Orientation and click (2) Save

How to Add Your Ethnicity

Step 8:

On the left, select (1) Ethnicity

At the top, select the (2) Ethnicity tab

Fill out the form and click (3) Save

Step 9: At the top, select (1) Background tab

Click on the Add Background button

Step 10: Select your (1) Ethnic Group and (2) Save

How to Update Biographical Information (Mobile Site)

How to add a Preferred Name

Step 1: My Profile on the left, select My Profile menu

Step 2: Biographical Information

Select Biographical Information (1a) on the left or (1b) top of the screen

Click the (2) Add Name button

Step 3: Select Preferred 

Step 4: Adding a Preferred Name

1. Type First Name and Last Name

2. Click Save  

How to add Gender Identity

Step 5: Click on the pencil icon next to Gender Identity

Step 6: Select your (1) Gender Identity and click (2) Save

How to add Ethnicity

Step 7: Click on the Edit button next to Ethnicity

Step 8: In the Ethnicity tab, (1) fill in the form and click (2) Save

Step 9: In the Background tab, (1) fill in the form and click (2) Save

How to Update Contact Info (Full Site)

Adding an Email Address

Step 1: On the Student Homepage, select the Profile title

Step 2: On the left, select Contact Details. Click on the Add Email button under Email

Step 3: (1) Fill in the form and (2) click Save 

Adding a Phone Number 

Step 4: Click on Add Phone button under Phone

Step 5: (1) Fill in the form and click (2) Save

Updating an Address

Step 6: On the left, select (1) Addresses

Click on the (2) Address you want to update

Step 7: (1) Fill in the form and click (2) Save

How to Update Contact Info (Mobile)

Updating your Address

Step 1: My Profile on the left, select My Profile menu

Step 2: Select (1a) Contact Info on the left or (1b) top of the screen

Click on the (2) pencil icon next to your Address

Step 3: Fill in the form and click Save

Adding a Phone Number

Step 4: Click on the (1) Add Phone Number button

(2) Fill in the form and click Save

Adding an Email Address

Step 5: Click on the (1) Add Email button

Fill in your email address. Select (2) Preferred

Click (3) Save

How to Update Emergency Contacts (Full Site)

Step 1: On the Student Homepage title, select My Profile

Step 2: On the left select (1) Emergency Contacts. Click on the (2) Add Contact button

Step 3: (1) Fill in the form and click (2) Save

How to Update Emergency Contacts (Mobile)

Step 1: On My Profile, select the My Profile on the left

Step 2: Select (1a) Emergency Contacts. On the left or (1b) top of the screen. Click on the (2) Add Emergency Contact button  

Step 3: (1) Fill in the form and click (2) Save

Step 1: On the Student Homepage, select the My Profile title.

Step 2: On the left, select (1) Privacy Restrictions. Click on the (2) Explain hyperlink to read more info

Step 3: The FERPA Self Service Explanation pops up, read and click OK.

Step 4: To block any release of your directory information, click on Restrict All Data.

Step 5: Check the Restricted box and click Save.

How to View Academic Progress (Full Site)

Step 1: On the Student Homepage, select Academic Progress

Step 2: Your program credential will appear. The different requirement categories are Satisfied or Unsatisfied. Each category has different credit and course requirements. Click on the Requirement Category to get more info.

Step 3: The Requirement Category Details, a list of courses that meet the requirements, also show. The status of each course is indicated. You can use this to see which courses you will need to take.

How to View Academic Progress (Mobile)

Step 1: On Academics, on the left, select the Academics menu.

Step 2: Select Degree Progress.

Step 3: Your Program Credential(s) will appear with a pie chart showing the percentage complete. Click on your Program Credential.

Step 4: The different requirement categories display to the right. You can see if the Requirement Category is Satisfied or Unsatisfied. Each category has different credit and course requirements. Click on a Requirement Category to get more info.

Step 5: More info will expand below. You can see how many credits are needed. Click on the Specific Requirement for details of your progress.

Step 6: Click on the View Courses button to see the courses that meet the requirement.

Step 7: Courses that Meet Requirement, the list of courses that meet the requirement appears. The status of each course is indicated. You can use this to see which courses you still need to take.

Step 1: Open App Store/Play Store on your mobile device, open the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android).

Step 2: Search for ctcLink, in the search bar, enter "ctcLink"

Step 3: Locate ctcLink App, locate the ctcLink app from the search results.

Note: The app publisher is WA SBCTC or WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Step 4: Install App, once located, install the app on your device.

Step 5: App Notification, once installed, open the app and choose whether or not you want to allow notifications.

Step 6: Review Terms and Conditions, review the Term and Conditions. Scroll to the bottom and Agree/Accept.

Step 7: Select Renton Technical College, the list of institutions will appear. Locate and select Renton Technical College (you may use the search bar to lookup Renton Technical College.

Step 8: ctcLink Homepage. Once Renton Technical College is selected, you will be brought to the Renton Technical College ctcLink page.

You can access:

• Student Portal 
• Canvas 
• Class registration 
• Tuition payment, and more 

A ctcLink support team is working with colleges and system partners to ensure accessibility with the new state-wide community and technical self-service portal and mobile app. To Enable Screen Reader Mode option on the ctcLink Sign In page, you will need to adjust your individual preferences manually to enable the screen reader mode. Once you make the change, it will remain active until you turn off the feature. Instructions can be found at Enabling Screen Reader Mode.

The mobile site includes a “tiles” homepage that provides convenient access to Canvas, academic catalog, and other college information. All the tools students need to enroll and manage classes are available in both the full site and mobile site. Many people find the mobile-friendly website more helpful and convenient.

Aside from activating your ctcLink account or making payments or uploading documents, yes. All the tools available in the main ctcLink website are available in the mobile-friendly website. However, the interface does look different on the mobile-friendly website, especially, when viewed on your smartphone. The specific way you perform a task, or the path you take to any given tool, will be slightly different than the main ctcLink site.

Yes, absolutely. The mobile-friendly website works perfectly fine on your desktop or laptop computer. In fact, you may prefer it over the main ctcLink site.

It’s a new system that students can use to register for classes, see their program plans, check their financial records/aid, as well as their academic records. Students can do all of this themselves online or using the ctcLink mobile app.

No, ctcLink does not replace Canvas. Learn more.

New students apply online. All admitted students register through ctcLink. Remember to write down your ctcLink ID.

Yes, using the Full Site version of ctcLink. If you are on the mobile site then it will redirect you to the Full Site when you want to pay.

Tuition and fees have not changed, it’s just that now you can see a detailed list of the charges. Please visit the Tuition and Fees page for more detailed information.

Please contact Enrollment Services to look up your record. The records converted from our old system to ctcLink were limited. However, we still have older records stored in our old system, which can be accessed by staff only.

You can see our published online schedule on the RTC website. You can also view it when you are logged into ctcLink under “Class Search”.

ctcLink is a shared system across all 34 Washington community and technical colleges (or CTCs). Your ctcLink ID and login is the same for each school. If you have a student or employee record from another ctcLink school, then you will see that information in your ctcLink.

Find tutorials and other helpful guides on our ctcLink Student Tutorials on this page. 

Technical Support or Technical Assistance: servicedesk.rtc.edu or servicedesk@rtc.edu.

No, you do not need to do this again. The data from our old system will be transferred over to ctcLink. When the new attestation process is available, new students will fill out the form through ctcLink. If you have not attested, you can fill out the form through your Student Homepage. Find instructions above on the ctcLink Student Tutorials section.