The Colorado Department of Education

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Licensure Requirements Professional 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 CTE Professional application?
  2. How do I move from an Initial CTE to a Professional CTE authorization?
  3. Am I required to submit official transcripts with my CTE Professional application? I already have them on file at CDE because I hold/held a Colorado teaching license/authorization.
  4. What are the requirements for a CTE Professional Authorization?
  5. Will I receive notification from CDE about the requirements to move from a CTE Initial authorization to a CTE Professional authorization?
  6. What type of occupational experience is acceptable?
  7. How long does it take to process a CTE Professional application?
  8. What evidence do I need to submit to document my coursework to convert to a Professional CTE Authorization?
  9. Will all my endorsements transfer from my Initial CTE Authorization to my Professional CTE Authorization?
  10. Once I convert my CTE credential/endorsement to my Professional Teaching License how many classes/hours are required for renewal?
  11. What are the most common processing delays for a Professional CTE application?

(Click Here for General Information)

1. When do I use the CTE Professional application?

    The CTE Professional application is for applicants who want to convert their valid/current CTE Initial Authorization to a CTE Professional Authorization.

2. How do I move from an Initial CTE to a Professional CTE authorization?

    If you hold a 3 year CTE authorization that is valid/current or that has lapsed less than 2 years and want to convert to a 5-year Professional CTE authorization, you must submit the Professional CTE Authorization application. Document the completion of the coursework or other requirements listed on your Initial CTE authorization or as assigned at the time of issuance. Include official transcripts for required college coursework.

3. Am I required to submit official transcripts with my CTE Professional 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.

4. What are the requirements for a CTE Professional Authorization?

    The requirements are specific to each applicant and are provided to the applicant at the time of Initial CTE Authorization issuance.

5. Will I receive notification from CDE about the requirements to move from a CTE Initial authorization to a CTE Professional authorization?

    A letter should have been enclosed with your Initial CTE authorization at the time of issuance, outlining the required coursework and/or occupational experience necessary to advance to a Professional CTE authorization.

6. 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

7. How long does it take to process a CTE Professional application?

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

8. What evidence do I need to submit to document my coursework to convert to a Professional CTE Authorization?

    You will need to submit official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution or professional development/in-service, or a combination thereof. A certificate verifying professional development/in-service must contain the course title, the number of contact hours completed, and an authorized signature. (15 hours = 1 credit).

9. Will all my endorsements transfer from my Initial CTE Authorization to my Professional CTE Authorization?

    Yes. Once you’ve completed the requirements to move to a CTE Professional Authorization, every endorsement that is now on your Initial CTE Authorization will transfer to your Professional CTE Authorization.

10. Once I convert my CTE credential/endorsement to my Professional Teaching License how many classes/hours are required for renewal?

    A total of six semester hours of credit will renew all endorsement/credentials.

11. What are the most common processing delays for a Professional 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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