CTE Designated Subjects Credentialing

The CTE Credentialing Program is designed for both new and experienced teachers to earn their Designated Subjects Credential. This credential qualifies candidates who have successfully completed our program to teach CTE courses in grades twelve and below and in classes organized primarily for adults, including services to English learners in Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE) in career technical, trade or vocational courses. Through online coursework and in-person support, participants gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become effective, fully credentialed CTE instructors.

As an approved Program Sponsor, The Orange County Department of Education recommends candidates to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the Preliminary Designated Subjects - Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential.

CTE Industry Sectors

A circular puzzle with %22CTE%22 in the center is surrounded by colorful pieces representing %22Industry,%22 %22Standards,%22 %22Engagement,%22 %22Literacy,%22 %22Math,%22 %22Safety,%22 %2221st Century Skills,%22 and %22Rigor,%22 all within the phrase %22Career & Technical Education: Putting the Pieces Together.%22

Marilyn Cunneen

OCDE CTE Credentialing Program Coordinator

Credential Application Process

First-Time Credential Candidates

Within three years, must successfully fulfill the following requirements to obtain the clear Designated Subjects (DS) CTE Credential:

Complete the free, self-paced, online Early Orientation course within 30 days of receiving your preliminary credential.

Complete the required courses in the CTE Teacher Preparation Program

- CTE 101 - CTE Teacher Preparation Course
- CTE 102 - Instructional Practices of CTE
- EL 100 - Teaching English Language Learners
- Health Education for Educators

Get CPR Certification for (Infant, Child and Adult)
Complete the U.S. Constitution requirement

Candidates must demonstrate competency in all Category II Program Standards by completion of the program in order to be recommended for a clear CTE credential.

Verify four terms/two years of successful teaching, from the date the preliminary credential is issued, in the industry sector listed on the credential. The experience must be a minimum of one course in each of four terms.
Teachers with less than two years of successful teaching experience or those who have not met the CTE Category II Program Standards must complete the Advanced Teaching Methods and Strategies Course (CTE104) in order to qualify for the clear CTE credential.

Credential Holder Candidates

Within three years, must successfully fulfill the following requirements to obtain the clear Designated Subjects (DS) CTE Credential:

Must complete the required course:
- CTE 100 - CTE Core course

Authorization to teach English learners

If the original teaching credential does not include an authorization to teach English learners or if the individual does not hold a separate English learner authorization (i.e. Clear CLAD/BCLAD Certificate, Certificate of Completion of Staff Development) then the individual must complete the coursework for the English learner authorization in addition to the other credential requirements.

Complete the Health Education for Teachers Course
Get CPR Certification for (Infant, Child and Adult)
Complete the U.S. Constitution requirement

Candidates must demonstrate competency in all Category II Program Standards by completion of the program in order to be recommended for a clear CTE credential.

Verify one additional year (two terms) of successful teaching from the date the preliminary credential is issued, in the industry sector listed on the credential. The experience must be a minimum of one course in each term.

Course Schedule and Descriptions

Winter Cohort 2027

Classes run: 1/11/27 - 3/7/27
Application deadline: 12/28/26
Payment Deadline: 12/23/26

Spring Cohort 2027

Classes run: 4/5/27 - 5/30/27
Application deadline: 3/19/27
Payment Deadline: 3/26/27

CTE 100 – CTE Core Course: Introduces credential holders to the foundations of CTE instruction, curriculum planning, instructional strategies, assessment, classroom management, and applicable CTC program standards.

CTE 101 – CTE Teacher Preparation Course: Introduces candidates who are new to teaching to fundamental educational practices, learning concepts, developmental skills, and their application in CTE and adult education.

CTE 102 – Instructional Practices of CTE: Provides a foundation in instructional practices for CTE teachers, including planning, assessment, classroom instruction, and support for students with special needs.

EL 100 – Teaching English Learners: Prepares candidates to use SDAIE and other instructional strategies to make CTE content accessible to English learners.

Health Education for Educators: Fulfills the health education requirement for the Clear CTE Credential. The current course is completed online through Canvas.

CTE 104 – Advanced Teaching Methods and Strategies: Provides advanced instructional preparation for candidates who have not completed the required successful teaching experience or demonstrated all Category II Program Standards.

Reminder: To be considered, both your CTE application and a preliminary CTE credential must be received by the application deadlines listed above.

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026: ALL TUITION MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE A CANDIDATE MAY ENROLL IN OR ADVANCE TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE CTE COURSE.

Program Costs and Fees

The costs below are estimates and are intended to help candidates plan for completion of the OCDE CTE Credentialing Program. All fees are subject to change.

First-Time Credential Candidates

The First-Time Credential Candidate pathway is for individuals who do not currently hold a qualifying California teaching credential.

OCDE application and program registration fee: $300.00
Required OCDE coursework: $3,375.00
Certificate of Clearance application fee: $52.65
CTC Preliminary CTE Credential application fee: $102.65
CTC Clear CTE Credential application fee: $102.65
Estimated total: $3,932.95

The required coursework includes:

CTE 101 - CTE Teacher Preparation Course
CTE 102 - Instructional Practices of CTE
EL 100 - Teaching English Learners
Health Education for Educators

The Certificate of Clearance fee applies only to candidates who do not already hold a valid Certificate of Clearance or another valid California credential or permit that required fingerprint clearance. Live Scan service fees are separate and vary by provider.

CTE 104 - Advanced Teaching Methods and Strategies may also be required for candidates who have not completed the required successful teaching experience or demonstrated competency in all Category II Program Standards. The cost of CTE 104 is not included in the estimated total above.

Credential Holder Candidates

The Credential Holder pathway is for individuals who hold a qualifying California teaching credential.

OCDE application and program registration fee: $300.00
CTE 100 - CTE Core Course: $1,200.00
Health Education for Educators, if required: $375.00
CTC Preliminary CTE Credential application fee: $102.65
CTC Clear CTE Credential application fee: $102.65
Estimated total with Health Education: $2,080.30
Estimated total if Health Education is already satisfied: $1,705.30

If the candidate’s existing credential does not include an authorization to teach English learners, the candidate must also complete EL 100. The cost of EL 100 is not included in the estimated totals above.

Final coursework requirements are determined through an individual credential review.

Additional and Variable Expenses

The following expenses are not included in the estimated program totals:

Live Scan and fingerprinting service fees
Infant, Child, and Adult CPR certification
U.S. Constitution requirement
Official transcripts
Foreign transcript evaluation, if applicable
CTE 104, if required
EL 100 for credential holders who do not already possess an English learner authorization
Electronic payment processing fees, when applicable

Payment Information

OCDE application fees and course tuition are paid to the Orange County Department of Education. CTC application fees are paid directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Effective July 1, 2026, tuition must be paid in full before a candidate may enroll in or advance to the next available CTE course.

Candidates whose districts or employing agencies have an agreement with OCDE should contact their district regarding payment arrangements.

All fees are subject to change. CTC fees are established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

CTE Credentialing Support

For the quickest and most efficient assistance, please submit the CTE Credentialing Support Request Form. This is the best way to reach our team and ensures that your request is directed to the appropriate staff member. A member of the CTE Credentialing Team will respond within two business days.

Support Request form

Contact our team

If you prefer to call, please ask for the staff member listed below who is responsible for the area in which you need assistance.

CTE Credentialing Main Line
714-708-5898

New Applications and Administrative Support

Julie Gundling
Senior Administrative Assistant

Preliminary CTE Credential application questions or status
Secure document submissions
District MOUs
OMS course registration
Tuition Payments

Current Candidate and Program Support

Marilyn Cunneen
Coordinator

District support
District MOUs
Program requirements
Coursework requirements

Hazelle Arroyo
Program Specialist

District support
Program requirements
Coursework requirements
Canvas troubleshooting

Clear Credentials and Credential Documents

Naudika Diaz
Administrative Assistant III

Clear CTE Credentials
Preliminary CTE Credential extensions
English Learner Authorization letters
Health Education requirements
Verification of Enrollment letters
CTE Program transcript requests
C-19 letters

Secure Document Submission

Applications and confidential documents must be submitted through the CTE Credential Program Secure Document Transfer Form.

Please do not include confidential information in the support request form.

Secure Document Transfer Portal

Credential Services

Official Transcripts

Adding Additional Industry Sectors

To add industry sectors to your current CTE credential:

Complete the 41-4 form with new content area.
Proof of 3 years of industry experience for the new industry sector.
$100 money order or cashier's check payable to CTC
OCDE fee is $50 – you can mail a check payable to OCDE or pay electronically with a 3% fee at: http://ocde.k12oms.org/2152-283039

Once we have received all of the above items we will process your application.

University of Massachusetts Global

Teachers currently participating in select Orange County Department of Education programs can earn graduate-level professional development credits for classes completed. These credits are graduate-level professional development credits which are both part of a degree program but used primarily for professional advancement (such as salary increment steps and recertification).

Earn Your Graduate-Level Professional Development Credit Easily and Quickly

Credential Holder Candidates Application

First-Time Credential Candidates Application