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Credentialing FAQ


If you have questions, please contact Brian Park.
Secondary Only | Postsecondary Only

Questions related to Secondary and Postsecondary

Q: If I am unsure if I am qualified to receive a credential, what do I do?
A: The first thing you need to do is apply for the credential. If your application is denied, you have the option to request an exception. If you are going to request an exception, you will need to send a letter stating what you would like an exception on and what basis you are reasoning.
   
Q: Who needs a credential?
A: Anyone that is teaching in a CCCS approved CTE program. For secondary only, anyone that is a school district’s CTE Director or CTE Specialist. There are a few exceptions to this however; substitute teachers, teacher aides and paraprofessionals do not need to be credentialed.
   
Q: How do I count conferences, workshops, and Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for my renewal application?
A: You will need to submit copies of the certificate of completion with the number of hours attended with your application.
   
Q: I have taught for years, but do not have current occupational experience, why is my teaching experience not accepted in lieu of occupational experience?
A: As the criteria was being developed, the Credentialing Task Force made a recommendation to require all first time applicants to have current occupational experience. For a first time applicant, all occupational experience must be within the last five (5) years.
   
Q: Why is my CTE credential from the Division of Private Occupational Schools not acceptable to teach in a community college CTE program?
A: The credential issued by the Division of Private Occupational Schools have different criteria from the postsecondary credential.
   
Q: Why is there not reciprocity for my CTE credential from another state?
A: The SBOCCE Rules and Regulations state that a person coming to Colorado to teach secondary education shall meet the same specific credentialing criteria as a new teacher.
   
Q: How do I know what credential I qualify for with the classes and experience that I already have?
A: Go to Secondary Criteria or Postsecondary Criteria where you will find the requirements for each pathway.
   
Q: I know I had a credential at one time, I cannot find a copy, nor can the Credentialing Office at CCCS. What do I need to do?
A: You will be applying as a first time applicant.
   
Q: If I qualify for a pathway I did not apply for, will I receive a credential for it as well?
A: There are some special rules that govern some of the pathways (i.e. Agriculture). With these pathways, if you qualify for one, you will qualify for additional ones as well. But if you are applying for a pathway that does not have a special rule, then you will only receive the credential for what you applied for.

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Questions related to Secondary ONLY

Q: I have a secondary credentialed and I am interested in teaching at my local community college. What do I need to do to get a postsecondary credential?
A: A secondary credential will be accepted as a postsecondary credential as well.
   
Q: What is the fee for a secondary credential and where do I mail my application package?
A: The fee for a secondary credential is $100.00 for either an initial or a renewal. The mailing address for completed credentialing applications: Credentialing Office, 9101 East Lowry Blvd, Denver CO 80230.
   
Q: How can I find out about the required EDCT classes I need to take before my initial credential expires?
A: These courses are offered through Colorado State University. Information can be found with the following links:

Questions related to Postsecondary ONLY

Q: I have received a Postsecondary Credential at one of the community colleges in Colorado, is this credential accepted at other system community colleges?
A: Yes. It is also accepted at all postsecondary institutes not part of the Colorado Community College System that offer approved CTE programs within Colorado.
   
Q: I am a fulltime coordinator of a postsecondary CTE program and only teach occasionally, do I need a credential?
A: Yes, anyone that is teaching in a CCCS approved CTE program must be credentialed in the pathway they are teaching.
   
Q: I am a new fulltime CTE faculty; do I have to take EDU 250 and EDU 260 within three years?
A: Depending on what is on your credential as a renewal requirement, you may need to take the two classes. However, you may have different renewal requirements (i.e. the CSU TAP) or additional renewal requirements (i.e. obtain 500 related occupational experience hours).
   
Q: I am a new part-time CTE faculty, why do I have to take EDU 250?
A: The EDU 250 class was created to give all new postsecondary faculty an understanding of CTE in Colorado. If you are interested in methods of teaching, you may want to take the EDU 260 class as well.
   
Q: Where can the EDU 250 and EDU 260 classes be taken?
A: Starting Fall 2007, the classes are offered at three pilot school: Arapahoe Community College, Front Range Community College and Pikes Peak Community College. Starting Spring 2008, the two EDU classes will be rolled out to be taught at all community colleges.
   

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