Hey all, We have some exciting news for you! The new competency-based endorsements are finally live on our website! I posted an announcement on my newsletter page earlier this week, CTE directors should have received a newsletter announcement from USBE too,
and perhaps you stumbled upon it when browsing our webpage in your free time...you know, for fun. (I can't even type that with a straight face!)
Please see the Official Announcement from April Painter below.
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We are excited to announce the release of the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Competency Endorsements.
In alignment with Utah’s shift toward personalized learning, these endorsements offer a flexible, skills-focused pathway for educators to enhance their professional licenses. These new competency-based endorsements provide the flexibility to demonstrate expertise
through a variety of options.
Why This Matters for You:
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Flexibility: Multiple pathways to qualify, including microcredentials, professional exams, industry certifications, and demonstrated portfolios.
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Facilitates Initial Steps:
These endorsements provide teachers with an accessible entry point to begin the process of obtaining their professional credentials.
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Workforce Excellence: Ensures our districts are staffed by highly qualified experts who have demonstrated real-world competency.
Summary of New Endorsement Updates
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Updates to Endorsement Names
To ensure consistency across all endorsements, licensing
has revised some names. The former "Essentials" endorsements are now categorized as "High School," while the previous "Basics" endorsements have been reclassified as "Middle School."
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Revised Course Authorization Lists
Each new endorsement has an updated list of authorized courses. Teachers and directors should review these closely when choosing an endorsement, as some changes have been made.
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Computer Science Removed from BFM Middle School and BFM High School
Computer science is no longer part of the BFM Middle School and High School endorsements (it IS still within the BFM Comprehensive) and should not be included in future staffing decisions. Those who previously held the BFM Basics will still be able to teach
those computer science courses.
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Retiring Endorsements
Several endorsements will be shifted to inactive status in January 2027. Directors should plan ahead for staffing, educator transitions, and any needed pathway updates. Educators currently holding any retiring professional endorsement will remain fully qualified
to teach all previously approved courses and do not need to update their endorsements.
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New & Combined Endorsements
Several existing endorsements have been streamlined to
reduce overlap and clarify pathways for educators, while new endorsements reflect current industry expectations and emerging content areas. These updates aim to align better with course offerings and support teachers with accurate qualification options. All
changes for newly created endorsements take effect on July 1, 2027.
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Transition Period for Associate-Level Endorsements
Educators with an associate-level endorsement will have a one-year transition
period before changes take effect. During this time, they can continue following the old endorsement requirements. After the transition year, they will need to meet the updated criteria for the new professional-level endorsement. This ensures statewide consistency,
aligns educators with the new competencies, and provides ample time for preparation.
How to Get Started:
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Review the Specifications Documents:
Each endorsement includes a "Spec" and an application. The "Spec" serves as a comprehensive guide, detailing the required competencies necessary to complete the endorsement application.
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Choose Your Pathway:
For each competency, you have the flexibility to meet the requirement through any of the options.
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You can find the full list of available CTE endorsements and their corresponding specs documents on the
CTE Endorsement website.
We look forward to seeing how these personalized pathways support your professional growth and the success of our students.
Best,
April Painter
Utah State Board of Education
CTE Endorsement & Financial Literacy Specialist
Phone: 801.538.7750
Email:
april.painter@schools.utah.gov
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Utah State Board of Education |
Career & Technical Education |
Learning That Works