Vocational Teaching Certification and Certificate Programs

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>Vocational teaching certificates allow people who have been working in a skilled trade to teach that trade in a high school, trade school, or community college. While certification requirements vary from state to state, most programs will require a combination of years of experience, an internship in a teaching environment, and a passing score on an examination. Some states require that vocational teachers have certain college credits or a bachelor's degree. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school or GED, some college or a bachelor's degree may be required</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> Experience in a vocational field, internship</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Varies by state, often requires passing score on an exam</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---HowDoesVocationalTeachingCertificationDifferFromStateToState">How Does Vocational Teaching Certification Differ From State to State?</h3> <p>To become a vocational teacher you will need to earn Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certification. Each state has a different certification program and therefore different requirements for, and means of, obtaining that certification. Often you must obtain an intern or preliminary certification before getting the permanent one. Sometimes multiple certifications are involved. You'll have to check with your state and even your area requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoSomeOfTheCertificationProgramsEntail"> What Do Some of the Certification Programs Entail?</h3> <p>You may have to take and pass certain exams, usually regarding either the field in which you will teach or general education information. Some programs have their own vocational teacher preparation programs, which will be a step in earning your certification. Requirements may include taking a class, passing an exam or demonstrating your knowledge of such areas as: </p> <ul><li>Computer science </li><li>Classroom management </li><li>First aid and CPR </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeAreasICouldTeach">What Are Some Areas I Could Teach?</h3> <p>CTE certification allows you to teach areas of trade or vocation that are in demand from local employers. Because of this, the areas that you can teach may change depending upon job availability and certification program. Some of the vocational areas include, but are not limited to: </p> <ul><li>Building trades </li><li>Business </li><li>Health sciences </li><li>Information technology </li><li>Agriculture </li><li>Family services </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillINeedToHaveBeforeSigningUpForACertificationProgram">What Will I Need to Have Before Signing Up for a Certification Program?</h3> <p>To begin the certification process, a high school diploma or GED is required, as well as vocational experience in the field you want to teach. Most often, there is a time-specific requirement for the vocational experience, which is usually two to five years and obtained within the past five or ten years. Through some certification programs, this is the extent of the requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---AreThereAnyAdditionalRequirements">Are There Any Additional Requirements?</h3> <p>Some college education is typically required, though, which may include only a few courses or up to earning a bachelor's degree. Sometimes previous education, internships or teaching experience may be substituted for some of your required vocational experience. A Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education might be an option to consider for further study.</p>