The Colorado Department of Education

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Licensure Requirements Initial CTE Application

Frequently Asked Questions

As secondary credentialing moves from CCCS to CDE several questions have come in from teachers and administrators about the change. Below your questions are addressed. If something has not been covered please email Chris Hill at cte@cde.state.co.us with your question so we can add it to this website.

  1. When do I use the Initial CTE application?
  2. Who needs a CTE endorsement/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?

(Click Here for General Information)

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 endorsement/credential?

    To teach in an approved CTE program and seek reimbursement through Colorado Career and Technical Act funds, an instructor must have a CTE endorsement/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 October 31 so that instructor’s CTE costs are claimable under CTA for the entire academic year. Your credential will be considered valid from July 1 of that same year. Initial applications received by CDE after October 31st must have CTA funds prorated to the amount of time the teacher held a valid credential.

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.

    Effective July 1st, 2010, CDE will no longer use microfilm/microfiche to archive or access documents. You must submit official transcripts from all colleges you have attended if any of that credit was used to fulfill the requirements of your CTE Initial application, 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, in addition, wish to obtain an Initial CTE Authorization, submit an Initial CTE Authorization application and you will be evaluated for both a teaching license and a Career and Technical Education authorization. To be eligible, applicant must:

  • Meet minimum requirements listed on the evaluation worksheet for the area(s) you are seeking. These are located at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/cte.htm
  • Submit the completed Institutional Recommendation pages from the college or university where you completed your teacher or principal preparation program.
  • Provide verification of teaching and/or principal experience and occupational experience.

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

    In general, it will take approximately 12-14 weeks from date of receipt to process your application.

7. What type of occupational experience is acceptable?

    Using the Occupational Experience form from the application, you must provide verified, successful occupational (non-teaching) experience in your related skill area. Self-employment must be documented with copies of tax records, letters from customers, or W-2 forms, etc. Refer to the CTE evaluation sheets 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?

    Up to six semester hours of credit can be earned for relevant and recent work experience in the content area. Work experience can never be substituted for a degree if a degree is required. See the Evaluation Worksheets for specific information for each credential/endorsement.

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

    No. Both the CTE authorization and the teaching license must be at the Professional 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 (PFTL).

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. If your Initial CTE Authorization is valid or has lapsed less than two years, you must complete the requirements as assigned at the time of issuance and submit a CTE Professional application.

If your CTE Initial Authorization has lapsed 2 years or more, you must complete the requirement assigned at the time of issuance along with 1000 hours of occupational experience or three years full time teaching experience in the content area and submit a CTE Renewal/Reinstatement application.

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

    No. Individuals with an initial credential (CTE authorization) have three years to complete their course requirements and those applicants with a professional authorization have five years to complete their renewal requirements.

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

    A letter will be enclosed with your CTE authorization at the time of issuance, 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)?

    You have three years to complete the coursework.

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

  • Submitting an unsigned or incomplete Verification of Employment form;
  • Submitting a Verification of Employment form with an unauthorized signature;
  • Submitting an unsigned or incomplete Occupational Experience form;
  • Submitting an unsigned, undated or incomplete Oath and Consent form;
  • Failure to provide official transcripts when required.
  • Failure to submit fingerprints as required.

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