Who needs a Credential?

Generally any teacher in a career and technical education program needs to have a credential. To have an approved career and technical education program, teachers within the program need to be credentialed.

So what does a credential tell an administrator or parent that a teaching license does not? A teaching license tells people that the teacher has teaching skills. A credential tells people that the instructor has occupational experience in the field in which he/she is teaching, understands the philosophy of career and technical education, and has the skills to work with student organizations and businesses in the community. The credentialing process documents skills in areas that make career and technical education unique: close ties to the business community, realistic learning experiences, and strong student leadership activities, usually through student organizations.

What are the Credentialing Standards?

The Credentialing office housed at the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) maintains the credentialing standards. Go to
http://www.coloradocredentialing.org/revised_cred/index.htm for these standards.

How do you apply for a credential?

The forms you need to apply for a credential can be found at:
http://www.coloradocredentialing.org/applications.htm. The Credentialing office will review your paperwork and determine if you need to complete any coursework. If you meet all the credentialing standards, you will be issued a full credential. If you have coursework or other standards that still need to be met, you will be issued a provisional credential and have three years to complete any requirements.

Where do you get the coursework needed for a credential?

Colorado State University provides the coursework needed for a credential. Besides CCLS, Colorado State University provides weekend classes, often in the Denver area, and some independent study courses.