The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that teachers who teach occupational skills in state-approved career and technical education (CTE) programs hold a state-issued instructional certificate. In Pennsylvania, a CTE teacher receives a permanent instructional certificate after completing a 60-credit teacher certification program.
Typically, CTE teachers complete the requirements of the teacher certification program while they are teaching. These teachers have mastered the skills of their trades. This program provides instruction on the skills they need to become successful teachers.
IUP’s Career and Technical Teacher Certification program includes both field-based and classroom-based instruction. IUP faculty members regularly travel to career and technical schools to help teachers progress through their programs. In addition, teachers complete a number of traditional college courses. Throughout the program, teachers also travel to regional group sessions for opportunities to network and interact with other teachers.
Practicing teachers are also responsible for making adequate progress and applying for all teaching certificates. You must hold a valid teaching certificate at all times while teaching. If you do not make adequate academic progress or fail to meet all requirements, you will lose your teaching certificate, and you will not be eligible to teach.
While working toward permanent career and technical instructional certification, CTE teachers will complete steps to earn the following series of certificates.
Step 1: Emergency Permit
Most new teachers are eligible to apply for an emergency permit. Assistance to secure this emergency permit should come from school administration. While teaching on the emergency permit, a teacher must complete the following requirements by the end of the current academic year.
- IUP Enrollment
Apply now for the Career and Technical Teacher Certification program. You must be a high school graduate or hold a GED certificate to be eligible for enrollment.
- Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA)
Complete and submit all Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) application materials to schedule the OCA. You must receive a passing score to apply for the Career and Technical Intern certificate.
Application for Career and Technical Intern Certificate
After completing the above requirements, you can use PDE’s online Teacher Information Management System to submit your application for the Career and Technical Intern certificate. Refer to the Instructions to Apply for Teacher Certificates for important information to guide you through the application process.
Step 2: Career and Technical Intern Certificate
While teaching on the Career and Technical Intern certificate, you must complete the following requirements within three calendar years to be eligible to apply for a Career and Technical Instructional I certificate.
- IUP Coursework
Complete 18 credits of IUP coursework - PDE Observation
- Be observed by an IUP faculty member using the PA Statewide Evaluation Form (PDE 430).
- Refer to the PDE 430 Evidence List for important information on how to prepare for the observation.
- Praxis Tests
Present evidence of passing the Praxis Tests: Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading (5713) and Writing (5723).* If your certification is post-bachelor's, then you are exempt from Reading and Writing Praxis.
*Act 55 of 2022, signed into law by Governor Wolf on July 8, 2022, requires the Secretary of Education to waive the requirement to satisfactorily complete the assessment of basic skills required under section 1207.3 and 22 Pa. Code 49.18(c) (relating to assessment) for three years from July 8, 2022, through July 8, 2025.
Application for Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate
After completing the above requirements, you can use PDE's online TIMS system to submit your application for the Career and Technical I certificate. Refer to the Instructions to Apply for Teacher Certificates for important information that will guide you through the application process.
Step 3: Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate
While teaching for the Career and Technical Instructional I certificate, you must complete the following requirements within eight teaching years to be eligible to apply for the Career and Technical Instructional II certificate.
- IUP Coursework
Complete 42 additional credits of coursework. Be sure to submit all completed courses for Act 48 credit.
- PDE Observation
- Be observed by an IUP faculty member using the PA Statewide Evaluation Form (PDE 430).
- Refer to the PDE 430 Evidence List for important information on how to prepare for the observation.
- Praxis Test
Present evidence of passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test: Mathematics (5733). - Induction Program
Complete a PDE-approved induction program at your school. - Teaching Experience
Complete three years of satisfactory teaching on a Career and Technical Instructional I certificate.
Application for Career and Technical Instructional II Certificate
After completing the above requirements, you can use PDE’s online TIMS system to submit your application for the Career and Technical II certificate. Refer to the Instructions to Apply for Teacher Certificates for important information to guide you through the application process.
Step 4: Career and Technical Instructional II Certificate
While teaching on the Career and Technical Instructional II certificate, you must complete the following requirement.
- Act 48 Hours
Complete 180 hours or six college credits every five years.
The Career and Technical Instructional II certificate is a permanent certificate. However, Pennsylvania's Act 48 requires all educators to complete 180 hours or six college credits every five years to keep a certificate active.
To check the status of your instructional certificate:
- Go to the MyPDESuite Application Login Screen.