CTE Teacher Credential

Applying for your Initial CTE Credential

Step #1 – Make sure you are eligible for a CTE credential -- specific criteria must be met for each CTE program. Review the credential worksheets to determine whether or not you qualify. Education, content knowledge, and work experience may apply depending on the credential.

Step #2 – Apply for your CTE credential via CDE. The PSD deadline to apply is April 1st to ensure you have a credential for the current academic year.

  • You will need to submit your college transcript
  • Use the CDE Teaching Experience form to document your years teaching CTE courses. You will also need to complete the CDE Occupational Experience form which would verify your work experience. (The teaching experience form should be signed by your principal)

  • New CTE teachers follow these instructions

  • Pay with a PSD p-card!

Step #3 – Once your application is submitted please email: kburger@psdschools.org the CDE receipt for $90 and you will be reimbursed (make sure you pay with a p-card).

Step #4 – Once your receive your initial CTE credential, you have 3 years to complete the CTE credentialing courses to obtain your professional license. You can access these courses three ways:

  • Option #1 - Register and attend the CACTE Conference in July
  • Option #2 - Sign up for an online class scheduled for fall or spring (for specific information, scroll down on the homepage to "trainings" below the Career Cluster imade)
  • Option #3 - Take the CTE in Colorado class offered within PSD (May 4, 2026 at ITC)

**FOR THOSE WITH AN "INTEGRATED CREDENTIAL" OR WORK-BASED LEARNING CREDENTIAL: You will need to complete a 40 hour externship in order to move from your initial to professional CTE credential.  Please contact Nick Peterson to communicate about paid opportunities to do this.  Here is the form you'll need to complete to document this experience.