Initial to Professional Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I use the CTE Initial to 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 Initial to 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 credentials transfer from my Initial CTE Authorization to my Professional CTE Authorization?
10. Once my CTE credential is linked to my Professional Teaching License how many classes/hours are required for renewal?
11. What are the most common processing delays for a CTE Initial to Professional application?

1. When do I use the CTE Initial to Professional application?

The CTE Initial to Professional application is for applicants who want to convert their valid/current CTE Initial 3 year authorization to a CTE Professional 5 year 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 CTE Initial to Professional application. Include documentation verifying the completion of all assigned coursework and/or experience.

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

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

The requirements are specific to each applicant and are assigned to the applicant via email 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?

At the time of issuance of the CTE Initial authorization, an email will be sent 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 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

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

Typically, it will take approximately 4-6 weeks from date of receipt to process a complete CTE 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 an accepted, regionally accredited institution of higher education, 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 of my credentials transfer from my Initial CTE Authorization to my Professional CTE Authorization?

Yes. Once you’ve completed all of the requirements to move to a 5 year Professional CTE authorization, all of the credentials on your Initial CTE authorization will be transferred.

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

A total of six semester hours or 90 clock hours of credit will renew all endorsements/credentials.

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