Search Penn State College of Education

CTE Teacher Certificiation

 

Introduction 

The Pre-Induction Certification program is an essential step for new Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in Pennsylvania. This program ensures that educators have the foundational knowledge, skills, and resources to succeed in teaching their occupational specialties. Through this program, teachers complete core coursework, meet certification requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), and receive ongoing advisory support. 

1. Career and Technical Instructional I Certification Requirements

To qualify for a Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

 

A. Work Experience (Choose One Pathway) 

Applicants must demonstrate occupational competency through one of the following three pathways: 

  1. Four Years of Wage-Earning Experience 

    a. A minimum of 4 years (8,000 hours) of full-time wage-earning experience in the occupation they wish to teach. 

    b. This experience must be beyond the learning period required to establish occupational competency. 

    c. More details are available on the PDE CTE Certification page. 

  2. Two Years of Wage-Earning Experience Plus a Bachelor's Degree 

    a. At least 2 years (4,000 hours) of full-time wage-earning experience in the occupation. 

    b. A bachelor’s degree related to the occupation. 

    c. Guidelines can be found in 22 Pa. Code § 49.142. 

  3. Four Years of Postsecondary Teaching Experience 

    a. A minimum of 4 years of full-time teaching experience in the occupation at an accredited postsecondary institution. 

    b. Refer to the PDE Career and Technical Education Overview for eligibility details. 

B. Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) 

  • Successfully complete the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA) to verify skill proficiency.
  • If no assessment exists for a specific occupation, applicants must provide alternative credential evaluations as determined by PDE. 

C. Coursework Requirements 

  • Complete 18 credit hours in an approved Career and Technical Teacher Education program. 

D. Basic Skills Assessment (Praxis Core Exams) - Moratorium Until July 8, 2025 

  • Praxis Core Exams (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) are currently under a moratorium until July 8, 2025 under Act 55 of 2022.
  • During this period, applicants are not required to take or pass Praxis Core Exams to qualify for certification.
  • PDE will determine a permanent decision on this requirement post-moratorium. 

E. Legal and Regulatory Requirements 

F. Institutional Recommendation 

G. Certification Validity and Progression 

  • The Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate is valid for eight years of teaching service.
  • Within this timeframe, educators must complete the requirements for the Career and Technical Instructional II Certificate to maintain certification. 
2. Career and Technical Instructional II Certification Requirements
  • Teaching Experience: Complete 3 years of satisfactory teaching on a Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate.
  • Coursework Completion: Successfully complete 42 credit hours in an approved CTE program.
  • Department Assessments: Meet PDE-prescribed performance standards.
  • Induction Program: Complete a PDE-approved induction program.
  • Institutional Recommendation: Receive a recommendation from the preparing institution. 

 

Enrollment Process 

  1. Contact: Wilda Hackman ([email protected], (814) 863-0805)
  2. Complete the Registration Form
  3. Access Course Materials (Canvas learning platform and relevant resources) 

 

Course Planning Grid

The PPDC Course Planning Grid helps you determine when each Workforce Education and Development (WFED) course is offered for:

How to Use the Planning Grid

  • Identify the WFED courses required for your specific certification track.
  • Refer to Penn State’s LionPATH for non-WFED courses needed for certification.
  • Check that you have the most recent planning grid—changes may occur due to updated regulations, faculty availability, or other factors.

Tip:

  • Courses typically originate from the University Park campus or World Campus.
  • If you see discrepancies or have questions, contact the Wilda for clarification.

 

Drop/Add Form

Enrolling in a Penn State WFED course often requires completion of a Drop/Add form. Here’s how:

  1. Find Your Course
    • Log into LionPATH and locate the class number, course abbreviation (WFED), course number, section, and credits.
  2. Fill Out the Drop/Add Form
    • Indicate whether you are adding or dropping the course.
    • Provide your name and registration number in the designated fields.
  3. Submit the Form
    • Return the completed Drop/Add form to the PPDC administrative assistant handling WFED course registrations.

Remember:

  • The Drop/Add form is critical for official course enrollment changes.
  • Always verify you’ve filled out each section accurately.