Successful completion of the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) is a requirement for vocational teacher certification in Pennsylvania. The OCA verifies that you possess the occupational competence required to teach secondary vocational students.
Plan to apply for the OCA during your first semester of teaching.
An OCA is available for each secondary vocational education program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Depending on the occupational area, the assessment will take one of the following three forms
- A regular test, consisting of a written exam and a performance assessment, is administered for most occupational areas.
- Regular tests are administered three times a year at selected sites throughout western Pennsylvania.
- A credential review is administered for occupational areas where a federal or state license, and in some cases certification, is required (for example, Health Assisting or Cosmetology).
- Credential reviews are scheduled as needed.
- An oral committee review is administered for occupational areas where written and performance exams are not available.
- Oral committee reviews are scheduled as needed.
To complete an Occupational Competency Assessment, you must meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application package. For a regular test, the application package must be submitted at least six weeks before the scheduled test date.
Click on each of the following links to print the application materials for the Occupational Competency Assessment.
OCA Application
Occupational Experience Statement
Verification of Work Experience Form
Authorization to Release Information Form
Safety Release Form
If you prefer to have application forms mailed to you, call (724) 357-4434 or e-mail to info@solaris.voced.iup.edu.
