Requirements for the Occupational Specialist

Occupational Specialist I: Initial

A.	High School Diploma or GED Certificate. A first applicant must send in a photocopy.
B:	Employment in an accredited educational program to teach in a specific vocational area. This will e verified through section 8 of the V-90A form. If working through the Department of Corrections, the applicant must submit a letter on their letterhead indicating that employment consideration will be given if a license is obtained.
C:	Occupational experience** (Select one):  6,000 hours (3 years) in the last five years (5-year limit applies only to this option). 4,000 hours and demonstration of occupational competency by successful completion of the NOCTI exam. Persons interested in taking the NOCTI exam should contact Dr. Don Buskirk at Purdue University. Call: (317)494-1097 or write Dr. Don Buskirk; Dept. of Industrial Technology; 369 Knoy Hall of Technology; Purdue University; West Lafayette, IN 47907 4,000 hours and evidence of occupational licensure or occupational proficiency based on approved regional, state, or national board training and evaluation. 4,000 hours and completion of an accredited 2-year or higher degree in the specific certification area 4,000 hours and completion of an apprenticeship or internship program.

**Note: All occupational experience must be verified submitting letters from current or former employees specifying fob titles and duties, hours worked per week, starting/ ending dates, and the name and title of the employer. This information must be on company letterhead. Only work experience in the certification area will be accepted. Self for the work period

This license is valid for one year.

Occupational Specialist I: Renewal

The Occupational Specialist license may be renewed once for one year if the applicant does not successfully complete the requirements for the Occupational Specialist II recommendation.

The minimum requirements to renew are as follows:

A:	Completion of the 45-clock hour Beginning Teacher Seminar.
B:	The request of the vocational administrator.

Occupational Specialist II: Initial

The holder of the Occupational Specialist I can be recommended by the university teacher trainer and the vocational administrator upon completion of the following items:

A:	Completion of the 45-clock hour Beginning Teacher Seminar.
B:	Two-semester Beginning Teacher Assistantship.
C:	An approved Professional Development Plan (PDP). A copy of the applicant's most current PDP must be on file with the Office of Teacher Certification for the applicant to obtain this license.
D:	Basic Skills Test (This requirement is effective September 1, 1994).
E:	Occupational Competency Test (This requirement is effective September 1, 1994). A copy of the certificate indicating completion of the competency test must accompany the application.

If you have more than three years of teaching experience in an accredited K-12 school while under a valid license, you may be eligible for some waivers of the areas above.

Contact your Area Vocational Director or you University Teacher Trainer for details.
 

Occupational Specialist II: Renewal

The Occupational Specialist II is renewable for an unlimited number of four-year terms by completing the following:

A:	Six semester hours of college coursework or 90 clock hours of workshops/seminars or
B:	A combination of three semester hour credits and 45 clock hours
C:	All renewable semester hour credits or clock hours must appear in the applicants previous PDP. A copy of the applicant's most current PDP must be on file with the Office of Teacher Certification for the applicant to obtain this license.

Persons interested in the Occupational Specialist III should consult one of their university teacher trainer or their Area Vocational Director.