First-time Idaho educators 

Degree Based Career Technical Certificate

Requirements for Certification  

Apply for a Secondary Degree Based Career Technical Certificate (DBCT) if you have completed an approved CTE educator preparation program, and have: 

• A baccalaureate degree  

• A university recommendation for a certificate/endorsement, including:  
  • One-thousand (1,000) clock hours of related work experience  
  • Positive student teaching experience  
  • Passing score on a PRAXIS II content area assessment   

• Cleared background check and signed legal history questionnaire  

This renewable certificate is valid for five years.

Degree Based Career Technical (DBCT) Information  

The following Idaho universities and colleges have approved CTE educator preparation programs:   

• Brigham Young University—Idaho, Dr. Melissa Green, 208-496-4137   

• Idaho State University, Dr. Brenda Jacobsen, 208-282-2783   

• University of Idaho, Dr. John Cannon, 208-885-1027   

Application 

Secondary Degree Based Application  

Occupational Specialist Certificate: 

Requirements for Certification  

Apply for a Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) certificate if you: 

• Possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.   

• Submit to a criminal history check as described in Section 33-130, Idaho Code (secondary level only).   

• Meet at least one of the following criteria:   
  • Hold or have held an approved industry certification in a field closely related to the content area in which the individual seeks to teach as defined by IDCTE.   
  • Demonstrate a minimum of 6,000 industry hours (equivalent to three full-time years)—half or more of which occurred in the past five years—of professional experience in a field closely related to the content area you want to teach; or   
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree in a field closely related to the content area you want to teach and demonstrate 2,000 hours (equivalent to one full-time year)—half or more of which occurred in the past five years—of professional experience in a field closely related to the content area you want to teach.  

• Meet the requirements of occupationally related state agencies when applicable. See the endorsement documentation forms below to see the knowledge areas required for certification 

Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) Information

The non-renewable Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) certificate is valid for three years, whether you teach during this time or not.   

• You may teach while completing the requirements to achieve your Standard- or Advanced-Occupational Specialist Certificate.   

During the validity period of your LOS certificate, you must complete an educator training program or courses approved by IDCTE as documented on one of the Professional Development Plan (PDP) forms located on pages six (6) and seven (7) of the Occupational Specialist application packet.  

• Choose either the InSpIRE Ready! route (p. 7 of application), or University Coursework route (p. 6 of application). 
  • InSpIRE Ready! is only available to educators employed at a local education agency or charter school (LEA). The coursework is paid for by IDCTE (excluding travel and CONNECT registration costs), but you do not earn college credit. 
  • University Coursework tuition is paid for by the teacher or the LEA. You do earn university credit. 
  • Revisions to your PDP can be made with IDCTE and local supervisor approval. Make note of changes on your approved PDP and send a copy to the director of IDCTE educator certification at the address noted in the directions on the form. Once the revised PDP is approved, a signed copy will be returned to the PLOS teacher. 

• In addition to the requirements of InSpIRE Ready! or University Coursework, you must complete the Core: Educator Standards, First Camp, and First Camp OA (as applicable) training sessions as listed on the Professional Development Plan (PDP).   
  • Details about signing up for coursework and training sessions will be sent to you in an email from our Professional Development team after earning your LOS certificate. 

Once you complete all requirements during the validity period of your LOS certificate, you may apply for your renewable, five (5) year Standard- or Advanced-Occupational Specialist Certificate. 

Application  

Secondary Occupational Specialist Application   

Endorsement Documentation Forms

Check out our Endorsement Documentation Forms below to see how your industry experience fits the required knowledge/application areas. The forms below are based on the requirements outlined by the Idaho State Board of Education Governing Policies and Procedures. Use of these forms is completely optional as a way for you to better summarize your knowledge in the endorsement focus areas. Completing a form is not to be construed as an assurance that you will qualify for certification in the given endorsement area. 

Note that the Endorsement Documentation Form is not an application. Please return to the previous screen to secure the application form. The Endorsement Documentation Form is submitted as an attachment to your complete application.