Initial Career & Technical Education Authorization

CTE Authorizations and Work-Based Learning

Requirements - First Issuance

First Application for an Initial CTE Authorization is a slide presentation to explain the process.

Applicants shall meet one of the following qualifications:

1. 6,000 hours of recent and relevant experience;
2. 4,000 hours of recent and relevant experience if the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree;
3. 3,000 hours of recent and relevant experience if the applicant holds an associate’s degree in the teaching endorsement area sought, if such a degree is considered terminal for that field of instruction;
4. Hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree or closely related degree in the teaching endorsement area sought; or
5. Hold a baccalaureate degree in any area of study if at least 18 of the credit hours were completed in the teaching endorsement area sought.
6. New - For a career and technical cluster endorsement, meet one of the above qualifications, and at least 2000 hours of recent and relevant experience or 9 semester hours each in two additional areas within the cluster endorsement. Combinations of experience and education may be approved by the executive director. Cluster areas include: Agriculture, Industrial Technology, Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, and Information Solutions.

Term

3 years

Authority

Limited to career and technical fields listed on the authorization. Not eligible for conditional licensure. 

Renewals

Available if coursework progress has been made during the term of the initial career and technical authorization. Mandatory reporter training for child and dependent adult abuse.

Conversion

Apply for the Career & Technical Education Authorization upon completion of the required coursework.

All applicants for an Initial Career& Technical Education Authorization must complete these requirements during the 3 year term of their initial CTE authorization:

1. Iowa approved Human Relations course
2. Methods of teaching Career and Technical Education
3. Curriculum design and construction
4. Evaluation of programs and students. (also called Educational Psychology)
5. Coursework in the instruction of Exceptional Learners
6. Ethics Training

Other Information

Career and technical areas include but are not limited to areas such as construction, plumbing, electrical, welding, auto body/mechanics, drafting, agriculture, culinary arts, and nursing.

First Application for an Initial CTE Authorization Directions

Educational Licensure Office & Staff Directory

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Office Location:
701 E Court Ave,  Suite A
Des Moines, IA  50309

Educational Licensure Staff Directory