Career and Technical Education

Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education programs provide students with the opportunity to graduate high school with college credits, technical experience, professional skills and industry certifications in high-skill, high-demand fields.

- 11th- and 12th-grade students can enroll in Career and Technical Education programs
- Career Services Programs are offered to students with special needs in grades 9-12
- Curriculum is aligned with Common Core State Standards, Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Standards, 4+1 Multiple Pathways requirements and industry standards
- Students participate in SkillsUSA, industry-sponsored competitions, internships and career-oriented community service
- Training takes place in state-of-the-art workshops with instructors who are industry experts

Our Programs

Animal Science Academy

Automotive Technology and Collision Academy

Construction Trades Academy

Communications Academy

Career Service Programs

Cosmetology

Criminal Justice and Fire Science

Culinary Arts

Cyber Technology

Early Childhood Education

Health Science Academy

New Visions Health Careers Exploration

More about CTE

Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Credential

About the CDOS Credential

The CDOS Credential recognizes students’ preparation and skills for post-school employment. All students with an IEP who do not qualify for New York State Alternate Assessment are eligible, including those earning a Regents/Local diploma. There are two options for earning a CDOS Credential:

OPTION 1

Student must have developed a Career Plan aligned with the CDOS standards, including:

Student’s self-identified career interests
Career-related strengths and needs
Career goals
216 hours of CTE coursework, 54 hours of which must be in work-based learning experiences

OPTION 2

Student has met the requirements of the following nationally-recognized work readiness credentials:

National Work Readiness Credential
SkillsUSA Workforce Ready Employability Assessment
National Career Readiness Certificate WorkKeys (ACT)
Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems Workforce Skills Certification System

Work-Based Learning

GED® Test and Academic Enrichment Programs

Are you 16 to 21 years old and may not complete high school? Could you benefit from a positive, alternative experience that will enable you to continue your education?

Whether you are thinking about better employment, continuing education or personal achievement, a high school equivalency credential is essential. Passing the General Educational Development Test (GED® Test) demonstrates that you possess basic math and English skills, and the character to see things through–and can help you secure a job for which you would otherwise be unqualified. Earning the high school equivalency credential also makes you eligible to pursue a college or technical degree, if this is your goal.

Learn More

Career and Technical Education Honors

Frequently Asked Questions

Who attends programs at CTEC?

Career & Technical Education programs are generally open to students in grades 11 and 12. The New Visions Health Careers Exploration Program is an honors-level program for high school seniors only. Career Services Programs are open to students with special needs in grades 9-12.

When do classes meet?

All programs follow the Rockland BOCES school calendar. Classes meet five days a week; students choose to attend either morning (8:00am-10:30am) or afternoon (11:30am-2:15pm) sessions.

How do students get to CTEC?

Round-trip bus transportation to CTEC’s West Nyack campus is provided by students’ home schools, except for those enrolled in the New Visions Health Careers Exploration Program. Students can also drive their own cars with permission from a parent/guardian and home school guidance counselor and/or principal.

Are there any fees or expenses?

Tuition is paid by students’ home school districts. However, certain courses do require students to purchase individual equipment and proper work attire, such as uniforms and work boots.

Can students still participate in activities at their home high school?

Yes. Many students play sports on their home school teams and join clubs at CTEC.

Can students earn high school credits while taking a CTEC course?

Yes. Students can earn up to 4 credits per year.

Can a technical assessment be substituted for a Regents exam?

In some cases, yes. The Board of Regents passed new regulations that establish multiple pathways to graduation, including a “4+1” option that permits a student to take four Regents exams and a comparably rigorous Career and Technical Education assessment for the fifth exam required for graduation.

To be eligible, the student must successfully complete a NYSED-approved CTE program. The CTE assessment must also be approved by the Commissioner of Education.

Students should speak with their home school guidance counselors to see if they are eligible for this option.

Can students earn college credits while taking a CTEC course?

College articulation agreements are available in most programs. Students who have successfully completed eligible programs of study may be eligible to receive college credits.

Are there CTEC options for out-of-state students?

Yes. Students in grades 11 and 12 who reside in Rockland and neighboring New York and New Jersey counties are eligible to participate. Programs are also available to 9th- and 10th-grade students with special needs.