Initial Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I use the Initial CTE application?
2. Who needs a CTE credential?
3. What is the CTA funding deadline for the Initial CTE application for new teachers?
4. Am I required to submit official transcripts with my CTE Initial application? I already have them on file at CDE because I hold/held a Colorado teaching license/authorization.
5. How do I obtain both an initial teacher license and a CTE authorization?
6. How long does it take to process a CTE Initial application?
7. What type of occupational experience is acceptable?
8. Will work experience be used as evidence of expertise or substituted for a degree?
9. Will my Initial CTE Authorization be added to my Professional Teaching License?
10. Can my Initial CTE Authorization be renewed?
11. Can an individual be granted a one year grace period to complete required course work?
12. To move from an Initial to a Professional CTE Authorization, certain requirements must be completed. How will I be notified about these requirements?
13. How long is an Initial CTE Authorization valid?
14. How long do I have to complete the coursework assigned at the time of issuance (of my initial CTE Authorization)?
15. What are the most common processing delays for an Initial CTE application?

1. When do I use the Initial CTE application?

All applicants applying for their first Career and Technical Authorization should use the CTE initial Authorization application.

2. Who needs a CTE credential?

To teach in an approved CTE program and seek reimbursement through Colorado Career and Technical Act (CTA) funds, an instructor must have a valid CTE credential.

3. What is the CTA funding deadline for the Initial CTE application for new teachers?

An Initial CTE credential application needs to be received at CDE no later than June 30th so that instructor’s CTE costs are claimable under CTA for the entire academic year. Your credential will be considered valid from July 1st of that same year.

4. Am I required to submit official transcripts with my CTE Initial application? I already have them on file at CDE because I hold/held a Colorado teaching license/authorization.

As of July 1, 2010, CDE no longer uses microfilm/microfiche to archive or access documents. You must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities that you have attended, even if those transcripts have been previously submitted to CDE. Please have your official transcripts sent directly to you from your college or university.

5. How do I obtain both an initial teacher license and a CTE authorization?

If you have completed an approved teacher preparation program and wish to obtain both a teaching license and a CTE authorization, you must submit both an Initial Teacher application, including fee, and an Initial CTE application, including fee.

6. How long does it take to process a CTE Initial application?

Typically, it will take approximately 2-4 weeks from date of receipt to process a complete CTE application.

7. What type of occupational experience is acceptable?

Using the Occupational Experience form from the application, you must provide verified occupational (non-teaching) experience in your related skill area. Self-employment must be documented with copies of tax records, W-2 forms, or letters from customers. Refer to the CTE evaluation worksheets found at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/cte_generalinfo.htm.

8. Will work experience be used as evidence of expertise or substituted for a degree?

Work experience can never be substituted for a degree, if a degree is required. Recent work experience in the content area may be applied towards up to six semester hours of credit. See the evaluation worksheets for specific information pertaining to each credential.

9. Will my Initial CTE Authorization be added to my Professional Teaching License?

No. A 3 year CTE authorization cannot be combined with a 5 year teaching license. Both the CTE authorization and the teaching license must be at the professional (5 year) level in order to coordinate the renewal requirements. Once you convert your CTE Initial (3-year) authorization to a CTE Professional (5-year) authorization, that authorization may be added to your valid Professional Teaching License.

10. Can my Initial CTE Authorization be renewed?

No. A CTE Initial Authorization cannot be renewed, but you can convert your Initial CTE Authorization to a 5 year Professional CTE Authorization once you have completed the requirements assigned at the time of issuance. To apply for the professional 5 year authorization you will need to submit a CTE Initial to Professional application and fee.

11. Can an individual be granted a one year grace period to complete required course work?

No. Individuals with an initial CTE authorization have three years to complete the coursework and/or experience requirements that were assigned at the time the CTE authorization was issued.

12. To move from an Initial to a Professional CTE Authorization, certain requirements must be completed. How will I be notified about these requirements?

An email will be sent to the applicant outlining the required coursework and/or occupational experience necessary to advance to a Professional CTE authorization.

13. How long is an Initial CTE Authorization valid?

Three years.

14. How long do I have to complete the coursework assigned at the time of issuance (of my initial CTE Authorization)?

Three years.

15. What are the most common processing delays for an Initial CTE application?

• Submitting an unsigned or incomplete Occupational Experience (non-teaching) form
• Submitting an unsigned, undated or incomplete Oath and Consent form
• Failure to provide official transcripts
• Failure to submit fingerprints

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