Career and Technical Education Authorization
This authorization allows individuals with industry experience the opportunity to teach at the secondary level with a limited license. The Career and Technical (CTE) Authorization requires work experience, a job offer, and coursework to be completed within three years. UNI now offers a streamlined coursework option designed to save both time and money. Begin at any time.
Complete in one year
Fulfill the authorization requirements in two courses, earning 4 credits.
Self-paced online courses
Enroll in any time, work at your own pace with up to nine months to complete each course.
$446 total cost
Students pay $334 total in tuition for both courses. A $46 technology fee and $10 enrollment fee is also assesed per course.
Courses & Cost
This new format, approved by the Iowa BOEE consolidates five of the six BOEE requirements for the authorization into two courses, replacing the previous format of five separate two-credit courses. These two courses cover five of the six required content areas: teaching methods, evaluation, curriculum design, human relations, and exceptional learners. The sixth requirement can be completed online through AEA at no cost.
| Course | Tuition | Technology Fee (2025-26) | Enrollment Fee (2025-26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTE 4186/CTE 5186 Studies in Comprehensive Teaching Methods for Career & Technical Education (3 credits) | $250 | $46 | $10 |
| CTE 4186/CTE 5186 Studies in Navigating Diversity, Human Relations and Ethics for Career and Technical Education (1 credit) | $84 | $46 | $10 |
Textbooks are not included in the costs above.
This previous format of the CTE Authorization includes five courses meeting the content areas below. This format was replaced by the new combined two-course option.
| Content Area | Course |
|---|---|
| Methods | CTE 4110/CTE 5110 Methods for Career and Technical Education (2) |
| Evaluation | CTE 4120/CTE 5120 Assessment and Evaluation in Career and Technical Education (2) |
| Curriculum Development | CTE 4130/CTE 5130 Curriculum Design for Career and Technical Education (2) |
| Instruction of Exceptional Learners | SPIE 3150 Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom (3) |
| Human Relations | TEACHING 4159/ TEACHING 5159 Human Relations for Career & Technical Education (2) |
Check with the Board of Educational Examiners to ensure applicability of courses toward your desired credential.
Ready to earn your authorization? Questions about what courses you may need? Simply fill out our interest form we'll reach out to you within one business day to help:
- Answer any questions
- Confirm your eligibility
- Navigate the streamlined enrollment process
Mallory DeSantiago
Student Support Specialist
mallory.desantiago@uni.edu
319-273-2863
- Will the BOEE allow these new courses to be used for the CTE Authorization?
Yes, UNI has been working with the Iowa BOEE to ensure that these courses meet the requirements of the authorization.
- What if I have already taken one or more of the courses for the CTE Authorization?
If a teacher has taken a portion of the required coursework, he/she has the option of continuing with the current courses or taking the new course. For example: A teacher has taken CTE 4110 CTE Methods and CTE 4120 CTE Assessment & Evaluation. The teacher has the option to take CTE 4130 Curriculum Design (2 credits) or CTE 4186 Studies in Comprehensive Teaching Strategies for Career and Technical Education (3 credits) to fulfill that portion of the requirements. NOTE: Even though the new course has more credit hours (3 vs 2), it may be more cost-effective to take the new course because of its lower cost.
- Does it matter that the new courses add up to six less credit hours (4 credits vs 10 credits for the previous courses)?
No, the BOEE does not require a certain amount of credit hours for the CTE Initial Authorization. The only requirement is content that is included in the courses.
- Will the cost per credit hour be the same as the previous courses or other Self-Paced Online Courses (SPOC) at UNI?
No. Not only does the bundling of content make earning the Initial CTE Authorization more time-efficient, both courses will be offered at a significantly reduced price which will make the coursework more cost-effective as well.
- Can I test out of the new courses?
Yes. A pre-test is available for those taking the course for undergraduate credit. A score of 80% or higher is required for a passing grade. If you pass the pre-test, payment is still required to receive credit for the course. The transcript will indicate “Credit by Exam” rather than a letter grade.
- After I have completed the coursework, how do I get the CTE Authorization?
The Initial CTE Authorization is granted when you begin teaching. You have three years to complete the coursework required for the CTE Authorization. After you have completed the coursework, it is your responsibility to send a transcript to the BOEE to obtain the CTE Authorization.
- Is the CTE Authorization the same as a regular teaching license?
No. The CTE Authorization is a limited license. You are limited to teaching the courses identified by the BOEE. The BOEE looks at your work experience to determine what courses you can teach.
Take the next step.
Earning a micro-credential at UNI is an affordable and accelerated way to enhance your skills and career opportunities. Once you submit the 'Get Started' form, we'll connect with you to create your plan of study - ensuring you know exactly what courses to take to meet your goals.
Complete our 'Get Started' above and our dedicated staff will work with you to create a specific plan of study to match your goals.
Ready to pursue this authorization? Submit an enrollment request form.
