Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audits. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Library & Academic Support

The one-stop spot for all academic help! Free academic help, including drop-in tutoring, test preperation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Technology Requirements

Students should have access to a computer/device with reliable Wi-Fi at home/off-campus that can run Microsoft Office.

Physical Examination

Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam is required before program entry. On the first day of class, all students are required to provide documentation of a completed Medical/Physical Exam Requirement.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

An Unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including air brakes, is required for graduation. Students who already have an Unrestricted Class A CDL must show proof of their license, including air brakes, and current DOT physical to receive credit for 458 numbered CDL License Training classes.

Additional Requirements:

• Controlled Substance Test – A controlled substance test is required for the CDL courses and a negative drug test result is required for class entry. This test is included in the cost of the class and will occur on the first day of class. Students are subject to random controlled substance testing while enrolled in the program. Testing positive during the program may jeopardize continuation and graduation in the program.
• Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical Examination – A physical examination by a DOT certified/licensed medical examiner is required to determine if person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Student receives a Medical Examiner's Certificate which is needed on the first day of class. This exam is at the student's expense.
• Commercial Driver's License Instructional Permit (CDLI) – Students will need to pass the following tests at the DMV:
  • General Knowledge
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicle

Study Resources: Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual, CDL Driver's License practice application, CristCDL.com.

Additional Costs

The program requires the purchase of approximately $3300 in tools and/or equipment. This equipment must be purchased through CVTC for liability purposes. Students will also need to purchase a computer tablet or laptop capable of running Microsoft Office products. This is not included in tools/equipment costs and must be provided independently by the student.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit towards an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experience, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wished to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Lineman training materials are furnished through a grant from the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to CVTC's educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible. 

Last Updated: February 26, 2026 @ 2:42 p.m.