Occupational Competency Assessment Program

State-of-the-art occupational skills are critical in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The Center for Professional Development in Career and Technical Education at Temple University arranges occupational experiences for CTE teachers. The program provides novice and experienced CTE teachers with the opportunity to update their skills by participating in a supervised work experience.

Variable 1 to 3 credit undergraduate and graduate courses, Supervised Work Experience in Career & Technical Education, provide the opportunity to participate in a supervised work-based experience and apply the skill in a school curriculum.

The Center also assists those who are preparing for the Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA).

1. The Temple Center offers occasional assistance to teachers who
   choose to arrange for tutoring in a specific occupational area, or
2. would like to design his/her personal internship.

Eligibility for Assessment

A high-school graduate (or an individual with the equivalent educational background) is eligible to take the OCA test. However, to receive a professional certificate, Vocational Instructional I, the candidate must also have obtained no less than two years (sic. 4000 hours) of relevant work experience.

The Evaluation Application Process

• Schedule an induction interview with Center staff by calling (215) 204-6203 to set up an appointment
• Complete and return an OCA Application Evaluation Form to the mailing address given below
• Send a transcript verifying education attained: acceptable documents include a high school diploma, GED score or a college diploma. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution
• Return a completed Notarized Record of Occupational Experience Form, including letters from employers. Employers'letters must comply with the following guidelines:
  • The letter must be dated and must be written on the employer's business letterhead
  • All letters must be mailed by the employer directly to Vocational Education/CITE (see mailing address given below)
  • The job title, dates of employment, hours worked per week, duties, responsibilities, and (if your are no longer employed by the company), the reason for leaving must be indicated in the letter
  • The letter should mention the degree of satisfaction the candidate has rendered as an employee
  • The letter should be signed by an official of the firm and must include that individual's official title
  • Applicants who have owned or operated their own business must provide a minimum of six notarized letters of verification. These letters should be from reliable sources, such as customers and/or suppliers, and should describe the nature of the business and the applicant's specific occupational competency, with dates indicating when the service was rendered. In addition, applicants should submit with the application, a brief notarized statement describing their business, including dates an the specific nature of the work performed
  • Applicants who are licensed in certain occupational areas (e.g., cosmetology, health, etc.) must submit a copy of their license
• For individuals with special needs, please indicate physical conditions or handicaps that require special accommodation.

For more information, contact:

Jill Tafoya
OCA Coordinator

Email: jstafoya@comcast.net
Phone: 215-489-4260
Fax:215-204-5154

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