ctcLink Student Help & Resources

ctcLink Student Help & Resources

What does ctcLink do for me?

ctcLink helps you better manage your entire college experience. Using the online student center, you are able to do the following 24/7 from your mobile device, laptop, or home computer:

  • View or update your student information and manage personal contact info.
  • Register for classes, add, and drop.
  • Pay tuition and fees and handle financial aid processes.
  • View grades, track academic goals, and apply for graduation.
  • Register for specific courses that apply to remaining program requirements.
  • Contact your instructors or advisor.
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Activate Your ctcLink Account

  • Current/Returning Students Activation Steps

    How will I receive my ctcLink ID?

    • You will get your new ctcLink ID number when you activate your ctcLink account .

    • Be sure to write down your new number when you get it and keep it in a safe place.


    How do I activate my ctcLink account?

    1. Go to First Time Account Activation (ctclink.us)

    2. Enter First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY).

    3. Change ID Type field from “ctcLink ID (new)” to “SID (old)”.*

    4. Enter your SID.

    5. Click Submit

    6. Answer the 3 Security Questions.

    7. Create a Password.

    8. Click Submit.

    9. STOP! Your new ctcLink ID will be displayed in the message box. Make sure to remember your ctcLink ID.

    10. Click Ok.

    11. Close out of the browser.

    12. Sign into gateway.ctclink.us to confirm that your account is activated.

    13. If prompted, you may need to click on your college/Institution tile, otherwise continue to the next step

    14. Select the “Student Homepage” tab to confirm your account is set up

    15. Sign out and close your browser

    If you have trouble activating your ctcLink account you can verify your Name and Date of Birth on file in your BTC Archive . These must match exactly.

    If you forget your ctcLink ID after you activate your account, you can look it up using your SID and PIN in the BTC Archive .


    Signing into ctcLink

    1. Once you have completed the activation steps above you are ready to use ctcLink

    2. Go to ctcLink (please bookmark this page for ease of access)

    3. Click on the ctcLink login tile.

    4. Enter your ctcLink ID and password to sign in.


    *How do I find my “SID” (old)?

    1. Go to Look Up Your SID

    2. Enter your information: Last Name, Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY), and Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number.

    3. Click “Display My SID”.

  • New Student Activation Steps

    How will I receive my ctcLink ID?

    • After your Admissions Application is reviewed and processed, you will receive a Welcome Email that includes your unique ctcLink ID.

    • Be sure to write down your number when you get it and keep it in a safe place.


    How do I activate my ctcLink account?

    1. Go to First Time Account Activation (ctclink.us)

    2. Enter First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY).

    3. Enter your ctcLink ID (found in your welcome email).

    4. Enter your SID.

    5. Click Submit

    6. Answer the 3 Security Questions.

    7. Create a Password.

    8. Click Submit.

    9. Close out of the browser.

    10. Sign into gateway.ctclink.us to confirm that your account is activated.

    11. If prompted, you may need to click on your college/Institution tile, otherwise continue to the next step

    12. Select the “Student Homepage” tab to confirm your account is set up

    13. Sign out and close your browser


    Signing into ctcLink

    1. Once you have completed the activation steps above you are ready to use ctcLink

    2. Go to ctcLink (please bookmark this page for ease of access)

    3. Enter your ctcLink ID and password to sign in.

  • What if I already have a ctcLink ID from another college?

    • If you have already received a ctcLink ID number from another college and activated your account with them , you do not need to activate your account or receive a new number.

    • The ctcLink ID number and password you already have is what you will use at Bellingham Technical College.

    • Remember to select Bellingham Technical College as your college when you navigate within ctcLink.

    Signing into ctcLink

    1. Go to ctcLink (please bookmark this page for ease of access)

    2. Enter your ctcLink ID and password to sign in.


Problems activating your account: Contact  library@btc.edu and  refer to the How do I...? section below.

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Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method for signing in to ctcLink and Canvas using more than one "factor" to prove your identity. This can include things such as usernames/passwords, security apps, one time codes sent to a mobile device or email, and other "factors" to prove you are the right person associated with the account.  More information can be found at ctcLink MFA

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How Do I...?

Navigating ctcLink

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Prospective & New Students

Apply for Admission

Prospective students use the statewide  ctcLink Admissions Portal  to apply to Bellingham Technical College.

To learn more about admissions to our colleges and to get assistance, please visit our admissions and advising team web pages: Bellingham Technical College Admissions

Detailed instructions for web admissions are available online .

Note: the username and password you create as a prospective student to apply in the ctcLink admissions portal is separate and different from your ctcLink ID number and password you will receive when you are admitted as a new/current student.

Activate Your Account as a New Student

After you submit your application, BTC's admissions office will review and process your application and send you an email. Your admissions email will include your unique ctcLink ID number.

  1. Go to First Time Account Activation (ctclink.us)

  2. Enter First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY).

  3. Enter your ctcLink ID (found in your welcome email).

  4. Enter your SID.

  5. Click Submit

  6. Answer the 3 Security Questions.

  7. Create a Password.

  8. Click Submit.

  9. Close out of the browser.

  10. Sign into ctcLink to verify that your account is activated.

  11. Once you log in, click on your college/Institution tile

  12. Select the “Student Homepage” tab to confirm your account is set up

Signing In to ctcLink

  1. Go to ctcLink (please bookmark this page for ease of access)

  2. Enter your ctcLink ID and password to sign in.

Registration Tips

We've developed a list of four important tips that will help you get the most out of ctcLink when registering for classes. 

  • Do I really need a permission number for every class? (No, not for every class.)
  • Make sure to select the appropriate academic term.
  • Remember to include Common Course Numbered (CCN) classes in your search.
  • Don't forget to uncheck the “See Open Classes Only” box.

Learn more in the next section about Registration in ctcLink .Review How to Browse & Search for Classes .

Navigating and Using ctcLink

Your ctcLink account gives you access to the following applications:

  • "Manage Classes": Class Enrollments and registrations
  • "Financial Aid": Manage financial aid awards and applications.
  • "Academic Records": View past classes with grades and get unofficial transcripts.
  • "Profile": View or update personal information.
  • Your ctcLink ID and password are also the credentials to access your Canvas account (but note that Canvas is a separate application).

For step-by-step guide on using and navigating ctcLink, visit the How Do I...? section above.

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions, refer to our section about Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Students .

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Registration in ctcLink

This section is intended to highlight some important tips that will help you get the most out of ctcLink when registering for classes. Class schedules are available at myBTC after November 15.

Before you begin, we encourage you to review How to Browse & Search for Classes :

How to Browse and Search for Classes pdf

Do I really need a permission number for every class?

There is some confusion about when students need to request permission numbers (formerly known as entry codes) because the Permission Number Box automatically appears on the registration page. You do not need a permission number for every class.We encourage you to go through the process to register for your courses, and if you need a permission number, the system will inform you after you click the Enroll Button.

Please note all the colleges are sharing informational material. You may see other colleges' logos. However, the directions also apply to BTC.

screen capture of ctcLink desktop and mobile app with a box for permission numbers

Course permission numbers (formerly known as entry codes) will be available when registration opens and can be obtained at your college in the same way they were previously available. For more information, visit the BTC Registration website.

Make sure to select the appropriate academic term.

ctcLink defaults to the current academic term, so make sure to select the appropriate academic term in the term dropdown menuwhen searching for classes during registration. (Refer to Step 4 of How to Browse & Search for Classes )

screen capture of ctcLink app where you select the academic term you want

You must be logged in to enroll in a class or add a class to your Shopping Cart or Planner.

If you have applied or are a current student, make sure to log in to your account before searching so you can search and enroll at the same time. (Refer to Steps 3 and 4 of How to Browse & Search for Classes )

To log in: 

  1. Click the 3-line menu (hamburger button) at the top left.
  2. Click the college logo.
  3. Click ctcLink Login.
  4. Enter your ctcLink ID and password. Then click Sign In.
  5. Click the Class Information icon on the left navigation bar.
  6. Click Class Search.

screen capture of log in steps

Use "Subject Begins with:" to include Common Course Numbered (CCN) classes in your search.

Common Course Numbered (CCN) classes are listed as a separate subject. When searching for classes, don't forget the "&" to see all classes available in a subject. For example, you will want to search for classes in both CHEM (Chemistry) and CHEM& (Chemistry CCN). Additional examples: BUS (Business) and BUS& (Business CCN) or MUS (Music) and MUS& (Music CCN), among many others.

Use the "Subject Begins with:" filterand type in the two-to-five character subject to see ALL classes for subjects that have CCN and non-CCN courses. (Refer to Steps 5 and 6 of How to Browse & Search for Classes )

screen capture of ctcLink app where you select the Subject Begins with: filter to see both CCN and non-CCN courses

About the “Show Open Classes Only” box.

ctcLink defaults to showing all classes including those that may be closed. This can be important if you want to get on a waiting list.  If you only want to see open classes, check the “Show Open Classes Only” box,  (See image above and Refer to Step 10 of How to Browse & Search for Classes )

Your search layout depends on the size of your screen.

The way your search layout appears may look different on your phone or mobile device, a tablet, and a desktop computer. The layout is dynamic and changes to fit your screen.

Note: mobile app screen and desktop screen captures below. To get back to the menu, look for the three lines or "hamburger" menu icon.

screen capture of search layout on mobile device.


screen capture of search layout on desktop computer.

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Making Payments in ctcLink

Here is a link to a quick tutorial for making payments to student accounts in ctcLink.

Some students are encountering an issue in ctcLink where they are unable to make a credit card payment for tuition and fees. Because ctcLink is an online application, it can be affected by your browser version and settings.


Can’t See Your Tuition or Student Account?

Instead of your account charges you see a message similar to "We are unable to display your account at this time, please contact the Cashier's Office" or "To complete your financial profile contact the cashier’s office"

Use the following steps to correct this issue;

  • Login to ctcLink by going to gateway.ctclink.us

  • If prompted, you may need to click on your college/Institution tile, otherwise continue to the next step

  • Select the “Student Homepage” tab

  • Sign Out


Try this second:

  • Use a web browser instead of the mobile app, and go to ctcLink Sign In  to login and pay. 

  • Use the Firefox or Safari browsers (instead of Google Chrome). 

  • Turn off the pop-up blocker on your browser.

  • Try clearing your browser’s cache.


Try this third:

If you are using Chrome and using another browser such as Firefox of Safari doesn't work, you can try the following process offered by the SBCTC:

  • In your Chrome browser, go to: chrome://flags

  • Set "SameSite by default cookies" to Disabled

  • Set "Cookies without SameSite must be secure" to Disabled


Try this last:

If you continue to have problems, we encourage you to reach out to the cashiering office at BTC .

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Tuition & Fees in ctcLink

The tuition charge includes required fees from the State Board of Community and

Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and locally determined fees from the college and the Associated

Students of BTC (ASBTC).

These required fees are now shown separately on your bill. For State-supported classes, charges

include:

  • Operating fee: Legislatively determined tuition fee that supports school operations

    locally.

  • Building fee: SBCTC determined tuition fee that supports infrastructure and innovation

    statewide. This tuition fee is charged for in-person and online classes.

  • S&A fee: ASBTC determined tuition services and activity fee used to cover student

    activities and programs locally.

  • General Processing fee: BTC determined processing fee charged to all students per

    credit.

  • Technology fee: BTC determined fee supporting the use of technology by students and

    related-on campus support services.

  • eLearning fee: BTC determined fee supporting web-enhancement of all classes across

    campus benefiting all students.

  • ASB Center fee*: ASBTC determined fee covering building costs associated with the

    ASB Center in the Campus Center building.

    *As of Winter 2025, ASB Center Fee no longer charged.

BTC follows the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) tuition and fees

policies, which generally describe the amounts that are charged for different types of classes and

students. More information is available the SBCTC tuition and fees web page .

Non-Resident Student Tuition

Non-Resident Students will see additional charges as part of SBCTC policy. You can see  full details online .

  • Non-Resident Operating Fee: Non-resident students may see both an ‘Operating Fee’ and an ‘Operating Fee Diff’. The ‘Diff’ fee is the differential between the resident and non-resident rate. 
  • Non-Resident Building Fee: Non-resident students will see two ‘Non-Resident Building’ charges. One is the charge at the Resident rate, and the other is the non-resident differential. 

Below is an example of a typical Non-Resident Student Account screen:

Non-resident sample tuition image

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Student Employees and ctcLink

Student employees use ctcLink to report their time worked so they can get paid. We highly recommend student workers submit their time worked  every day  to ensure all time is reviewed and approved before payroll.

Step-by-Step Directions

How to Report Time Worked for Hourly & Student Employees

How to Report Time Worked for Hourly & Student Employees pdf

Related Training Courses in Canvas

ES100 HCM Employee Self-Service -  Enroll here

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FAQs for Students

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions please see below.

  • How do I get to the ctcLink Sign In screen?

    To get to the ctcLink Sign In screen:

    • Go to myBTC . Click on the ctcLink tile.

    • The quicklinks menu on the homepage also has a link.

    • You may also get to ctcLink directly (you can bookmark this link for ease of future access)

  • How will I get my ctcLink ID number?

    You will get your new ctcLink ID number (called EMPLID in the system) when you activate your ctcLink account beginning November 15, 2021. Be sure to remember your new number when you get it and keep it in a safe place. Refer to the instructions for how to activate your ctcLink account.

  • What if I forget my ctcLink ID number?

    Be sure to remember your new ctcLink ID number (EMPLID) when you get it. You will need it to login to ctcLink.

    If, however, you forget your ctcLink ID after you activate your account, you can retrieve your credentials by entering your SID and PIN at www.btc.edu/lookup .

  • What if I already have a ctcLink ID from another college?

    If you have already received a ctcLink ID number from another college in Washington state, you do not need to activate your account or receive a new number. The ctcLink ID number you already have is what you will use at Bellingham Technical College as well.

  • Where can I get help activating my ctcLink account or using ctcLink?

    You won’t be alone as you start using ctcLink. Library employees will be on standby to assist with technical issues. Online help and support—both self-service tutorials and Zoom meetings will be available. 

    • If you encounter problems activating your account, contact library@btc.edu .

    • This page contains your step-by-step help guides and tutorials.

    On Monday, November 15, you will begin to use ctcLink. BTC Student Services and IT employees will be on standby to assist with technical issues. You will have access to online help and support, self-service tutorials, Zoom meetings and on-site drop-in sessions.  Watch your email for details.

    Zoom drop-in sessions : November 15–24 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    On-site drop-in sessions:November 15–19: Locations are G102 & G103

    • Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  
    • Tuesday & Thursday: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

  • Do my old student SID and PIN number go away?

    Yes, student SID and PIN numbers will no longer be used after October 15. They are replaced by the ctcLink ID number (called an EMPLID in the new system) AND password. Students will set up their own passwords and associated security questions (for use if the password is forgotten) when they activate their ctcLink account and log in to the new system for the first time.

    Current students will receive a link to activate their new ctcLink ID beginning November 15, and new students starting Winter Quarter 2022 will receive a ctcLink ID and will use that number. New students will still need to activate their ctcLink account.

    Refer to the instructions for how to activate your ctcLink account.

  • Is Canvas going away?

    No. We will continue using Canvas, and you can continue logging into Canvas with your SID and password.

    Canvas Login: BTC Canvas Login
    All students, when logging into Canvas for Winter Quarter, you will use your ctcLink ID and password to access your coursework.

  • How do I access Degree Audit?

    You can continue accessing Degree Audit via BTC Archives . However, you will need to sign in using your BTC credentials. 

    BTC Archives login is either:

    User Name:
    Your account user name is your last name + the last 4 digits of your Student ID Number (SID).
    (e.g. smith 1234)

    Password:
    Your default password is: btc-+ your 8 digit birth date (mmddyyyy) (e.g. btc-06031981)
    Be sure to use all 4 numbers of your birth year (e.g. 1988). Remember to add btc- on the front

    or SID & PIN
    Your assigned SID and PIN (default mmddyy)

  • Can I still access my unofficial transcript in the legacy systems?

    Yes, you can still view your unofficial transcript from Fall 1993 to Summer 2021 in our legacy systems using your old SID and PIN.

    Note: If you are not a currently enrolled student and only need to retrieve an unofficial student transcript, you do not need to activate your ctcLink account before accessing your unofficial transcript.

    Transcripts & Records link

  • Can I still access my Fall 2021 and Winter and Spring 2021 financial aid information in the legacy systems?

    Yes, you can still access your financial aid information for Winter, Spring, and Fall 2021 through your BTC Student Financial Aid Portal .

  • How do tuition and fees appear in ctcLink?

    ctcLink displays more information to students about tuition and fees than Bellingham Technical  College's previous system. One big change is that tuition is now shown split out into the  Operating,  Building, and  S&A (Services and Activities) components.

    For details go to the Tuition and Fees in ctcLink section above.

    Bellingham Technical College follows the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) tuition and fees policies, which generally describe the amounts that are charged for different types of classes and students. More information is available at the  SBCTC tuition and fees web page .

  • What if my tuition and fee charges don't appear?

    It is possible this could happen if you are using the mobile app for ctcLink. If this happens:

    1. Go to the main ctcLink Sign In  instead of using the app.

    2. Select ‘Student Homepage’

    3. Select ‘Financial Account’

    This should fix the issue and you should be able to see your account charges.

  • What if I encounter problems when I try to pay tuition with my credit card?

    We are aware that some students have encountered problems when trying to pay tuition through a credit card transaction in ctcLink. 

    If you encounter this problem, try the tips below:

  • Where can I get my 2020 1098-T Forms?

    Student 1098-T forms are not available in ctcLink. Students may go to BTC's  Tax Credit document  to learn more and to access their 2020 and past 1098-T forms.

    2021 and forward will be available in ctcLink. To receive Student 1098-T forms from 2019 and back you will need to email the Business Office .

  • How do I get the app for my mobile phone or devices?

    One exciting feature of ctcLink is an app you can use on your mobile devices. Search the app store (iPhone) or play store (Android) on your mobile device for “ctcLink” to download and install this free app today. After you activate your ctcLink account, you’ll be able to access ctcLink directly through your mobile device using this app. 

    Note: You must activate your ctcLink account before using the mobile app or its web-based version.

  • What can I do in ctcLink, Canvas, and myBTC?

    You will use a combination of ctcLink, Canvas, and myBTC while you’re a student at Bellingham Technical College. The guide below provides a brief overview of what each system is for, along with relevant resources and login information.

    Student Links: ctcLink, Canvas, myBTC: Student Account Information

  • Does the move to ctcLink affect how I register for Continuing Education (CE) classes?

    No, students taking a class with Continuing Education will continue to register directly at Take A Class . As a Continuing Education (CE) student, you will not register, add or drop classes in ctcLink.

    Related Questions for Continuing Education (CE) Students

    Q: Will anything change for me as a CE student?
    A:  Yes, if you are a current student, you will be assigned a  new ID number on November 15, 2021— a ctcLink ID—and, after launch, all new incoming students will receive a ctcLink ID. This new ID will be used whether you register for classes at Bellingham Technical College, as well as at  all  Washington community and technical colleges.

    Q: Will I need to do anything to activate my new ctcLink ID?
    A: No. You will register for a CE class through the CE websites. The college's CE office will look up your ctcLink ID and term activate you to complete your registration and payment. You will only need to activate your ctcLink ID if you are also taking academic classes which require you to register through ctcLink. Note: if there are other functions where you will need to use ctcLink, CE employees will send you the information on how to activate your ctcLink ID and login to the system. However, in most cases, CE students will not need to login to that system.

    Q: Will I still use my SID when I register for classes?
    A: No. After you register for a class with Continuing Education, your new ctcLink ID will be included in your confirmation email. You will use your ctcLink ID for all future registrations.

    Q: Does logging in to Canvas change?
    A: Students, faculty, and employees will continue to use Canvas, our learning management system (LMS). Students will be encouraged to use their new ctcLink ID. New students without a SID will only use their ctcLink ID to access Canvas.

  • Do I use ctcLink to report time I have worked as a student employee of Bellingham Technical College?

    Yes. Student employees need to use ctcLink to report their time worked so they can get paid.

  • Do I need a permission number for every class?

    No, you do not need a permission number for every class.

    There is some confusion about when students need to request permission numbers (formerly known as entry codes) because the Permission Number Box automatically appears on the registration page. You do not need a permission number for every class.We encourage you to go through the process to register for your courses, and if you need a permission number, the system will inform you after you click the Enroll Button. 

    Permission Numbers screen capture from ctcLink

    Course permission numbers (formerly known as entry codes) will be available when registration opens and can be obtained at your college in the same way they were previously available. For more information, visit the Registration page .

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