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CTE Programs and Standards

CTE Program Lists and Information:

 CTE Programs Contacts 

 

 Elements of an Approved CTE Program 

  • Elements of an Approved CTE Program - PDF
  • Charter, Private School CTSO Membership Policy - PDF

 Approved CTE Program Lists 

Alphabetical list of all programs with descriptions, industry credentials, coherent sequences, technical standards, blueprints, equipment lists, and more.

 A-B 

 C-E 

 F-L 

 M-Z 

 CTE Programs with Embedded Academics 

 Local Occupational Programs 

Why Local Occupational Programs Matter in Arizona CTE

Local Occupational Programs (LOPs) help Arizona schools respond to regional workforce needs by creating innovative career pathways that prepare students for success in high-demand occupations. LOPs provide flexibility for schools to address emerging industries, local labor market demands, and unique community opportunities.
 
How Local Occupational Programs Make an Impact:

  • Address Local Workforce Needs

LOPs are developed to meet documented workforce demand, ensuring students gain skills that align with local employment opportunities.

  • Expand Career Pathway Options

LOPs allow schools to offer specialized programs beyond Arizona's existing CTE program offerings, giving students access to emerging and regionally relevant careers.

  • Strengthen Industry Partnerships

Developed in collaboration with employers and community stakeholders, LOPs help ensure instruction reflects current industry expectations and workforce needs.

  • Support Economic Growth

LOPs help build a skilled talent pipeline, connecting students to career opportunities while supporting local and regional economies.

  • Encourage Innovation

LOPs provide schools with the flexibility to pilot new programs and respond quickly to changing workforce trends.
 
Benefits of Local Occupational Programs

  • For Students:
    • Explore unique career opportunities
    • Develop industry-relevant skills
    • Prepare for post-secondary education and employment
  • For Schools:
    • Address local workforce priorities 
    • Offer innovative career pathways 
    • Strengthening community partnerships
  • For Employers:
    • Engage with future talent
    • Help shape workforce preparation
    • Support local workforce development


Building Arizona's Future Workforce
Local Occupational Programs connect education to local and regional workforce needs, helping students gain valuable career skills while supporting Arizona's communities and economy.
Innovative. Responsive. Workforce-Focused. That's the power of Local Occupational Programs in Arizona CTE.

Local Occupational Program Application Timeline  

  • Application Window: October 1 – October 31: Local education agencies (LEAs) may submit new Local Occupational Program (LOP) applications for ADE review during the annual application window. Applications should be complete and include all required documentation and supporting evidence at the time of submission.  
  • Initial Review: November 1 – December 1: ADE conducts a comprehensive review of submitted applications to evaluate alignment with workforce demand, program quality requirements, industry support, and eligibility criteria. ADE may request additional information or clarification during this review period.  
  • Revision Deadline: January 10: Applicants must submit any requested revisions, corrections, or supplemental documentation by this deadline. Applications that remain incomplete after the revision period may be deferred to the next application cycle.  

 

Local Occupational Program (LOP) Application Form

 The Development of Arizona Career and Technical Education Programs 

The process for determining a career field to become a recognized Arizona CTE program:

  • Programs are determined on a biennial basis by Labor Market Information (LMI) from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, which is focused on high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations in Arizona.
  • The approved CTE Program List is updated using the LMI and is provided to Local Education Agencies (LEA).
  • Based on local needs, the LEA may choose to open a new program or sunset an existing program.
  • Technical Skill Standards are developed for each program by a committee of related industry members to align standards with recognized industry certifications, credentials, or licenses. (See Industry Credentials Links)
  • From those standards, ADE/CTE collaborates with the Arizona Curriculum Consortium to develop a scope and sequence, framework, blueprint, and lessons.
  • The Technical Skills Assessments are end-of-program assessments. Students concentrating in a program will take the assessment at the end of the program.  

 ADE Quality and Compliance Monitoring