CTE Credentials and Added Pathways
To earn a CTE Authorization, teach in an approved CTE program, and seek reimbursement through Colorado Career and Technical Act (CTA) funds, you must have a valid CTE credential. As listed on each credential worksheet for each content area, you must meet three requirements to earn a credential:
- Hold a valid teaching license
- Complete 24 semester hours from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution with a maximum of six semester hours of documented professional development or work experience, or pass a PLACE exam within the chosen content area
- Provide evidence of occupational or teaching experience; CSU offers coursework in all CTE credential areas to help you meet the second requirement
Educators seeking to add a credential to their current valid CTE Authorization may do so through a combination of coursework and occupational experience. The requirements for a credential and an added pathway within a given content area are the same, with an added pathway being a subsequent credential.
To view more detail about each CTE credential area and the added pathway option, visit the Colorado Department of Education Career and Technical Education Authorization general information website.
Important Note: The Colorado Department of Education is the sole issuer of CTE credentials and authorizations, not CSU, and is the authority on how coursework applies to credential areas. Coursework listed below by credential area is only suggested; you will need to contact the Colorado Department of Education and submit a CTE application to learn if the courses you have taken apply directly to your content credential.
Credentials
In addition to the specific course areas listed below, use the search bar at the top of the page to find additional courses that may apply to your credential area.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Business and Public Administration
Health Sciences & Public Safety
Hospitality, Human Services & Education
Skilled Trades & Technical Sciences
STEM, Arts, Design & Information Technology
Specialty Areas
