Start here if you’ve never held an Idaho career technical education (CTE) certificate.
Key things to know
- You can teach while completing certification requirements through the industry route.
- Most educators begin with a three-year interim certificate and move to a five-year renewable certificate.
- Certification requirements depend on your education, experience and career goals.
Choose your certification route
You have two options based on your education and work experience.
Option A: Degree-based certification (secondary only)
Choose this option if you’ve completed a CTE teacher preparation program.
You’ll need:
- Completion of an approved CTE educator preparation program that culminates in a bachelor’s degree
- 1,000 hours of related professional work experience
- Student teaching experience
- A passing Praxis score
- A background check
What you’ll receive:
- A five-year renewable CTE certificate
What to do next:
- Submit the Secondary Degree-Based Application.
- Work with your Idaho university (Boise State University, Idaho State University or the University of Idaho) to submit your institutional recommendation.
Option B: Occupational specialist (industry-based)
Choose this option if you’re coming from industry. This is the primary pathway for both secondary and postsecondary educators.
You’ll need one of the following:
- An industry certification
- 6,000 hours of industry experience (about three years)
- A related bachelor’s degree and 2,000 hours of industry experience
You’ll also need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A background check (secondary educators only)
What to do next:
Start with an interim certificate
Most new occupational specialist educators begin with a three-year, nonrenewable interim certificate.
What this means:
- You can begin teaching right away.
- You’ll complete educator training while you teach.
Complete your training
During your three-year interim certificate, you’ll complete a you’ll complete a Professional Development Plan.
Choose one of the following options:
University coursework
- Tuition-based coursework through Boise State University, Idaho State University or the University of Idaho
- College credit
Industry to Educator
- Educator training paid for by the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education
- No college credit
You’ll also complete:
- Training in the Idaho Core Teaching Standards and Idaho Foundation Standards for Career Technical Teachers
- Block A: Launching Your Classroom with Confidence
Move to a standard certificate
After completing your educator training, apply for one of the following:
- Standard Occupational Specialist Certificate
- Advanced Occupational Specialist Certificate
Both certificates are valid for five years and may be renewed.