Endorsement Applications

To be eligible for an endorsement, you must hold a current license. If you do not have a license, stop and complete the Associate Educator License (AEL) application process before moving forward with the endorsement application.

Application Submission

1. Download and complete the related endorsement application.
2. Each CTE Career Cluster has specific applications; make sure to use the correct endorsement application. 
3. Save and upload the application to the SMApply platform.

All Educator Endorsement Applications must be submitted digitally to
https://usbelicensing.smapply.us. Tutorial available at https://ior.ad/994G

All original digital transcripts must be submitted (via Clearinghouse) to
transcripts@schools.utah.gov.

Professional Endorsement Review

Endorsement Applications by Career Cluster

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Architecture and Construction

Arts, Audio/Visual Technology and Communications

Business, Finance and Marketing

Computer Science and Information Technology

Education and Training

Engineering and Technology

Health Science

Hospitality and Tourism

Human Services

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Manufacturing

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

Other

Occupational Testing

Successful completion of a profession exam approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) may serve as a substitute for education and/or work experience requirements for certain Career and Technical Education (CTE) endorsements.

Payment for an exam must be received by June 30^th in order to be scheduled for the fall testing window. Orders not received by the deadline will be held until the next testing window.

National or State Occupational Competency Examinations

There are national and state competency assessments used in-lieu of occupational experience. Some of these exams are tied to national or state accreditations. These assessments are administered through their individual organizations or government entities. The cost will vary. Please review the respective exam's website of further information on cost, examination site, and dates of availability.

Other certificates/licenses are required in specific program areas and they include:

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification

Master ASE Certification in Automotive Service
Master ASE Certification in Automotive Autobody
Master ASE Certification in Medium/Heavy Duty Truck

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Airframe and Powerplant (A and P) Inspector License for Aviation Maintenance
Commercial Aircraft Pilot and Flight Instructor

American Welding Society (AWS)

Certified Welding Educator
Certified Welding Inspector

Utah State Department of Commerce: Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)

Construction Licensing:

Contracting-Carpentry
Electrical
Plumbing

National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Testing

The National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) is a provider of occupational competency assessments used in Utah to evaluate an instructor’s competence in a content area. These assessments are used in lieu of work experience when an individual is applying for a teaching license. The assessments are broken into two parts:

1. a written assessment: 3 hour time limit, roughly 180 multiple-choice questions
2. a performance assessment: varied time, varied tasks

To learn more about a specific exam, visit Teacher Testing site and click on the test name for more information. Not all of the exams listed are offered or applicable in Utah. For a complete list of the exams offered through Utah’s testing service, please refer to the order form.

To order a test, complete and submit the order form with payment, per instructions found on the form. Testing sessions for each exam are offered at least once each year, in early August. Additional sessions will be scheduled if there are five or more individuals who would like to take a given exam.

The cost for a NOCTI exam is $250.00. Fees for NOCTI exams include:

• Written Exam, Computer: $70
• Practical Exam: $80
• Proctor Fee: $100

Examination Order Form

Please note the following:

• No test will be ordered or scheduled until after payment is received. 
• A test session will be arranged once the test is received. 
• Once the test session has been arranged, information on the test date, time, and location will be sent to each applicant.

Utah Photography Teacher Exam (UPTE)

The Utah Photography Teacher Exam (UPTE) was created to fill a void created when NOCTI discontinued their test for this area. This assessment is broken into two parts:

1. a written assessment: 2.5 hour time limit, multiple-choice questions 
2. a performance assessment: 4 hour time limit

To schedule a test, complete and submit the order form with payment, per instructions found on the form. Testing sessions for each exam are offered at least once each year, in early August. Additional sessions will be scheduled if there are five or more individuals who would like to take a given exam.

Examination Order Form

Please note the following:

• No test will be ordered or scheduled until after payment is received. 
• A test session will be arranged once the test is received. 
• Once the test session has been arranged, information on the test date, time, and location will be sent to each applicant.

For more information, contact:

Jonathan Frey
State of Utah Testing Coordinator
Phone: (801) 538-7852 | E-mail

CTE Orientation Canvas Course

This course serves as an introduction to the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE).  It contains basic information that every CTE teacher needs to understand.  This course replaces the CTE New Teacher Academy requirement. Complete the registration steps outlined below to begin coursework. 

There are three options for the 2023-24 school year.  This course has enabled open enrollment for 2023-2024. You may register for the course now, but cannot start work until September 1, 2023.

• Fall: September 1-December 31 (Registration Opens August 15, 2023)
• Spring: January 1-April 30 (Registration Opens December 15, 2023)
• Summer: May 1-August 31 (Registration Opens April 15, 2024)

If you do not finish a section by the end date, you will lose all progress and will need to enroll in the next section. An incomplete course will not roll over to the following section.

 

Course Outline

Registration

You will work at your own pace as you review the material and assemble a portfolio.  College-level, professional work standards are expected.

CTE Orientation Canvas Course Registration

Educators may enroll in the course in one of two ways.

• Canvas CTE Orientation Self-Enrollment, or
  Canvas Self Enrollment with Join Code, MMPXBC
• Select status: 1) new user or 2) already have login.
• Complete the sign-up information and check the box to agree to the terms of use and acknowledge the privacy policy.
• Select "Start Learning" to begin.

Note: After completing the registration steps, login to the Utah State Board of Education's Canvas site to access the CTE Orientation course. The registration link will not allow you to access work previously created/submitted for the course.

For more information, contact:

April Painter
Education Specialist
CTE Endorsements
Phone: (801) 538-7750 | E-mail

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a license and an endorsement?
  License
  A license is an authorization issued by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) that permits the holder to serve in a professional capacity in the public education system or an accredited private school. There are different ways to earn a Professional Educator License.
  
  Endorsement
  An endorsement is a specialty field or area earned through course work equivalent to at least an academic minor or through demonstrated competency. Endorsements are listed on the Professional Educator License indicating the specific qualification(s) of the holder. 

• I am currently licensed and endorsed in an area outside CTE. How do I get endorsed in a CTE area?
  To be eligible for an endorsement, you must hold a current license. If you do not have a license, stop and complete the Associate Educator License (AEL) application process before moving forward with endorsement application. Complete the related endorsement application. Each CTE Career Cluster has specific applications; make sure to use the correct application. All information is submitted electronically.

• To whom/where do I send my endorsement application?
  To simplify and shorten the process of applying for a CTE endorsement, CTE has moved the endorsement applications to a web-based signature workflow using Adobe Sign. Once the application is electronically signed, the CTE specialist automatically receives the application and begins the review process.

Start by clicking the link for the desired endorsement application.
Complete the application.
Combine documentation files into a single PDF file for each upload field.

• How do I submit transcripts?
  Official digital transcripts must be either on file with USBE Educator Licensing or ordered and sent from the institution clearinghouse to transcripts@schools.utah.gov. Transcripts e-mailed from the applicant will not be accepted.
  
  
• What documentation do I need to submit to verify work experience?
  To count work experience toward an endorsement application, the applicant must have six (6) years of documented, related, full-time occupational experience (not teaching experience) within the ten (10) years prior to application. Documentation shall consist of a letter from a supervisor on company letterhead indicating duties, responsibilities, and dates of employment. Check with the CTE specialist to see if a related college degree might count toward this requirement.
  
  
• What documentation do I need to submit to verify industry certification/licensure?
  A copy of the license or certificate must be uploaded to the endorsement application. Contact the credentialing entity if you need copy of your documents. Completion certificates must be attached if being used in lieu of coursework. Combine documentation files into a single PDF file for each upload field. Review the endorsement application for specific requirements.
  
  
• I have been teaching CTE classes for years. Do I have to complete the CTE Orientation course to get another endorsement?
  Contact the CTE specialist that oversees the endorsement in question.
  
  
• Is a course assignment in CACTUS required to be considered for an Associate Level Endorsement (AEL)?
  A specific assignment in CACTUS is not necessary if all Associate Level Endorsement requirements are met.
  
  
• Can I get an extension on my State Approve Endorsement Plan (SAEP)?
  If the SEAP was started before January 2020, contact Educator Licensing. If started after January 2020, contact the CTE specialist over that endorsement.
  
  
• I am currently on an Alternate Route to Licensure (ARL). Do I have to start all over with the new system?
  Those currently on an ARL can finish out under that ARL plan or can choose to start with new Associate Educator Licensing process.  It is the applicant’s choice. If choosing the new process, contact Educator Licensing.
  
  
• Associate Educator License has replaced Alternate Route to Licensure. What do I need to do?
  Apply for an Associate Educator License to begin the application process.
  
  
• When should I submit my endorsement application?
  Once the minimum requirements are met for the Associate Level Endorsement.
  
  
• Can I substitute a different course for one listed on the endorsement?
  Substitutions do not apply unless endorsement application specifies otherwise. Contact CTE specialist for prior approval.
  
  
• What summer conferences, clinics, or courses do I need to take to teach these CTE classes?
  Refer to the endorsement application, subscribe to the Career Cluster listserv, or check the CTE calendar for event information.
  
  
• I need two conferences to earn my full, professional level endorsement. I only see one offered in the summer. How do I get the other conference credit?
  The general requirement is to attend two of the annual CTE summer conferences. Exceptions will need prior approval by the CTE specialist.
  
  
• To whom do I need to speak in order to be authorized to teach a specific CTE course?
  Contact the CTE specialist over the course.
  
  
• How do I know if my transcripts are from a regionally accredited institution?
  Contact Educator Licensing for verification.
  
  
• I have been hired and received a teaching assignment, but I am not currently endorsed. Can I start teaching without an approved endorsement? 
  For assistance in beginning the Associate Level Endorsement Process, please contact:
  April Painter
  Education Specialist
  CTE Endorsements
  Phone: (801) 538-7750 | E-mail