After successfully completing the OCA, how do I apply for my teaching certificate?

The first vocational teacher certificate (non-degree) that one obtains is the Vocational Intern certificate. You must prepare and submit an application for teacher certification. The application and assistance in preparation is available from the school administration office where you are teaching or have been employed to teach. You may also call (814) 863-0804 to request the application or to seek assistance in completing the application. The application must then be returned to 301 Keller Building, University Park, PA, 16802 to obtain endorsements from the Dean of the College of Education at Penn State and the certification representative in the Program of Workforce Education and Development. This representative's signature is registered at the Bureau of Teacher Certification in Harrisburg and is the only signature accepted to register occupational competency titles and codes. A $40 fee (postal money order only, made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) must accompany the application.

The Pennsylvania State University, having admitted you to their program of studies, must attest to this fact when processing your application for submission to the Bureau of Teacher Certification. As a part of this process, the date of successful completion of the OCA will be inserted on the application along with the computer code for your specific occupation.

Completing occupational competency and obtaining teacher certification are two important steps in the certification process. A condition for retention of the certificate is that you are continually enrolled in the certification program at the University, as well as complete the required courses and credits in the specified number of years. Certificates, number of credits necessary to move up to the next level of certification and time for completion are shown at (click here). The University requires specific courses or competencies be completed at each level of teacher certification before moving up to the next level. It is the individual teacher's responsibility to complete required credits and to make application for each subsequent level of teacher certification, just as with the initial certification effort.

Specific courses or competencies required in the non-degree certification program at Penn State are shown at shown at (click here for the 61 credit sheet). If you have completed courses at another institution that you desire to use in satisfying these requirements, you should have the institution mail an official transcript to Dr. Richard A. Walter in 301 Keller Building, University Park, PA, 16802, for his review and action.

When and how do you take courses or competencies? This will vary. However, the Program of Workforce Education and Development at Penn State generally offer courses in two different ways. One is while you are on-the-job (teaching), as part of Competency-Based Teacher Education (CBTE) classes; the second is offering classes for in-service teachers at regional locations such as a vocational-technical school or Commonwealth campus. In many cases, much of your course work during the first three years will be completed on-the-job, at which time a University faculty member or resource person will visit you on a scheduled basis. Course offerings and the location or sites of those course offerings are announced through the Outreach brochure, which is mailed prior to the beginning of each University semester. It is important that you read the brochure thoroughly and follow the class registration procedures outlined. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete registration, which will cause you to be billed for both late registration and late drop/add fees. If you are having trouble completing your registration, please call (814) 863-0805 for assistance. If you fail to receive a copy of the Outreach brochure within three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester, please call (814) 863-0805.

There are undoubtedly many questions unanswered about the non-degree vocational teacher certification program. Information contained herein is of a general nature, and is written to assist in answering initial questions as well as provide direction for starting in the certification program. Once started, you will find a source to whom you may turn to obtain direction and answers. If you have questions about the OCA or the certification process, please (814) 863-0804; you may call (814) 863-0804 with questions about registering for classes.