Skip To Main Content

Close Mobile Menu ( Don't delete it )

Mobile Search

Mobile Utility

Header Top

Header Utility

Search

Header Bottom

Mobile Trigger

Breadcrumb

1. Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential Information

  • Career Technical Education
1. Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential Information

What is Career Technical Education?

Career Technical Education (CTE) is one of the fastest-growing areas of education. Sometimes known as Vocational Education, these courses prepare students, from middle school to adult, for specific trades in 15 industry sectors. Teachers pursuing a CTE credential come directly from those industry areas. They teach students the academic and technical content that provides them with the knowledge and skills to enter an occupation, or continue on to college.

CTE Industry Sectors

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Arts, Media, and Entertainment
  • Building Trades and Construction
  • Education, Child Development, Family Services
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Engineering and Architecture
  • Fashion and Interior Design
  • Finance and Business
  • Health Science and Medical Technology
  • Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
  • Information and Communication Technologies
  • Manufacturing and Product Development
  • Marketing, Sales, and Service
  • Public Services
  • Transportation

CTE Credential Requirements

Required Coursework for Most Preliminary Credential Candidates

  • Early Program Orientation
  • Foundations
  • Emphasis

Coursework that may also be required, if not previously completed:

  • CPR for Infant, Child, and Adults (check with local Community Colleges or Red Cross for offerings in your area)​
  • Health Education (SDCOE offers this course in conjunction with University of Massachusetts Global)
  • U.S. Constitution (SDCOE offers this course in conjunction with University of Massachusetts Global)

Required Coursework for Preliminary Credential Candidates who Already Hold Clear California Credentials 

  • Core

Steps

  • Prior to starting: Obtain employment in credential area
  • Year 1: First Half
    • Apply for Preliminary Credential (district assigns a mentor)
    • Register for Designated Subjects Program
    • Begin teaching
    • Complete Early Program Orientation (EPO) course OR Core only if you already have a clear CA credential
  • Year 1: Second Half
    • Complete Foundations course
    • Mentor observes candidate; candidate observes mentor
  • Year 2
    • Complete Emphasis course
    • Candidate observes mentor; mentor observes candidate
  • Sometime during Year 1 or 2:
    • Complete U.S. Constitution
    • Complete Health
  • Finish program and apply for Clear Credential

Coursework begins after formal recommend or transfer is received, verified, and the candidate is accepted into the program.

Special Subjects coursework falls under the CTE path. You will be participating in CTE coursework, relevant to your special subjects setting. 

  • The registration link for the first course is emailed to the candidate once they are recommended for a preliminary credential. As each course is successfully completed, a certificate of completion is emailed to the candidate along with the registration link for the next required course. Course registration will close at 4 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the course start date.
  • Candidate may request to withdraw from a course within 48 hours of the course start date / time. Request to withdraw must be received by SDCOE DS within this timeframe. 
  • Should a candidate enroll and not successfully complete a course, they will not receive a certificate of completion or the registration link to the next course. He or she will be notified by the SDCOE DS program of his or her non-completion status and required to register and pay for future course sessions, until he or she successfully completes the course.

Questions? Email designatedsubjects@sdcoe.net

Application Processing Calendar

2025 Course Calendar: Please note that the 2025 course calendar will be published in November. At that time, registration for the 2025 courses will be opened.

There are no calendar event details to display
Page break
triangle SDCOE emblem

other designated subjects credentials

  • Career Technical Education
1. Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential Information

Career Technical Education is one of the fastest-growing areas of education. These courses prepare students, from middle school to adult, for specific trades in 15 industry sectors. Teachers pursuing a CTE credential come directly from those industry areas. 

  • Special Subjects
1. Special Subjects Credential Information

The Special Subjects Credential authorizes teaching in programs such as Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Driver Education, and Aviation. These programs are not offered in all districts, and credential requirements and necessary experience are very specific. 

Designated Subjects Credential Pathway Flowcharts