First-time Idaho educators 

Degree Based Career Technical Certificate:

Fill out the Secondary Degree Based Application if you have: 

• A baccalaureate degree 
• A university recommendation for a certificate/endorsement, including: 
  • 1,000 clock hours of related work experience 
  • Positive student teaching experience 
  • Passing a PRAXIS II content area  

• Cleared background check and signed legal history questionnaire 
• Certificate valid for five years (renewable) 

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  

Occupational Specialist Certificate:

Complete the Secondary Occupational Specialist Application 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—50% 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—50% 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.  
• The non-renewable certificate is valid for three years.  
  • You may teach while completing the requirements to achieve your Standard Occupational Specialist Certificate.  
  • You must complete an educator training program or courses approved by IDCTE as documented on a Professional Development Plan PDP) form. 

• Complete the summer Pre-service Academy and First Camp.  

Endorsement Documentation Forms