A review is provided of tech prep consortia and programs in California, as they relate to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (VATEA) of 1990. First, background information is presented on the VATEA, indicating that it authorizes and provides significant funding to develop and operate four-year tech prep education programs and calls for statewide articulation agreements between secondary schools and postsecondary institutions. Next, the following requirements for curricula in tech prep education majors and programs are outlined: (1) graduation from the secondary school; (2) general education requirements for the associate degree; (3) specific requirements of an occupational degree or certificate; (4) courses that build student competencies in mathematics, science, communications, and technologies; (5) worksite learning experiences; (6) the option to fulfill requirements for a baccalaureate degree; (7) the option to fulfill requirements for a particular baccalaureate degree major; and (8) placement and employment for students. A history of tech prep in California since 1985 is presented and recommendations are made for increasing articulation among educational segments. Finally, an inventory of tech prep programs is provided, including information on fiscal agents (i.e., consortia administering the grant, special projects, and/or first-year consortia); participating institutions; funding amount; and the educational areas focused on in the program. (KP)