Under the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) board rules governing credentialing, all secondary instructors who teach in a Colorado Community College System (CCCS) approved program must hold a valid credential.
At the postsecondary level, CRS 23-60-304 indicates postsecondary CTE instructors must hold a valid credential.
A credential ensures that the CTE program provides students with well qualified instructors possessing appropriate occupational and educational experience.
The Colorado Community College System office and Colorado CTE do not issue any credentials. We provide professional development training required to move from an initial to a professional credential through a variety of free offerings. To apply, see requirements and check on an application, please visit one of the following:
- For Secondary, visit Colorado Department of Education’s CTE credentialing page
- For Postsecondary credentialing, view Postsecondary Credentialing & Credentialing Officer Info
Professional Development/Training for CTE:
CTE in Colorado
This course covers everything required to move your initial CTE credential to the professional CTE credential.
CTE in Colorado Online Session Schedule (Self-paced, free option):
- CTE in Colorado Registration
- Spring 2027 Offering: Dates to be announced soon: Registration will open soon.
CTE in Colorado – Secondary only (Face to face Session):
- CACTE – July 2027 in Loveland – offered as part of the pre-conference, but must attend entire conference
- CACTE Summit Information
- Note that we do not host this conference, so you will need to contact CACTE directly with any conference related questions
- CACTE Summit Information
CTE Director 101 Training
- CACTA – February 2027 in Loveland – offered as part of the conference and must attend entire conference to receive CTE Director Certificate of Completion
- CACTA Mid-Winter Conference Information
- Note that we do not host this conference, so you will need to contact CACTA directly with any conference related questions
- CACTA Mid-Winter Conference Information
CTE Director 201 Training
The CTE Director 201 coursework is for individuals who have obtained an initial CTE Director credential and do not hold or plan to hold a principal license within three years of the initial credential. CDE requires initial CTE Director credentials to take coursework embedded within approved principal preparation programs in Colorado or through the CTE Director 201 course provided by CCCS as part of advancing the credential from initial to professional. The coursework includes Educational Reform, Policy, and Law, School Finance and Resources, and School Leadership and Supervision.
- The CTE Director 201 course is offered once a year using the CCCS D2L platform.
- Registration will open on December 15th and close on January 29th.
If you have any questions regarding the course, please reach out to the Director of CTE Accountability and Performance at Emily.fickbohm@cccs.edu.
Work-based Learning Training
Work-based Learning Training – Virtual Schedule:
- January 7, 2027, Virtual Class 11:00-4:00pm. Free.
- May 20, 2027, Virtual Class 11:00-4:00pm. Free. Link to register coming in early 2027
Work-based Learning Training – In Person Schedule:
- November 11, 2026, In Person Class in Glenwood Springs, CO (day prior to the emPWR Conference in Glenwood Springs, CO) 11:00-4:00pm. Small fee and lunch included. Registration coming soon and more information about the emPWR Conference found HERE
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March 2, 2027, In Person Class in Northern Colorado (day prior to the Work-Based Learning Retreat in Northern Colorado). More information and link to register coming in early 2027.