CTE FAQs

1. Are 9th grade students allowed to take CTE classes? 

2. I'm in a magnet program at Brashear. Can I still take the Auto Body Repair program? 

According to the Magnet Office, students who take a magnet program are not eligible to take a CTE Program.  In addition, it is almost always the case that the combination of 3 periods of CTE and 1 (or more) periods of the Magnet Program classes will create a situation where a student could not fit in the rest of his/her requirements to graduate.  

3. Will I be able to take any other elective classes while in a CTE program? 

There is no rule against a student taking other electives if they are taking a CTE program. It is a matter of the student having room in his/her schedule.  Students must have the English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Personal Finance, Gym and Health classes they need to meet the graduation requirements.  So, as long as the electives fit in around the requirements and CTE, then a student can take electives.  

4. Is it possible to start a CTE program in 11th grade? 

It is possible for a student to start a CTE program in 11th grade.  If a student starts at the beginning of 11th grade, he/she will be able to complete 2/3 of the credits/hours in CTE, and will be eligible for the end-of-program assessment given in the spring of their 12th grade year.  If a student wants to start a CTE program in the middle of his/her 11th grade school year, then the student must agree in writing (via a CTE application) to return for the following year as well.

5. Is it true that CTE students don’t have to take as many science classes as regular students? 

6. What happens if I start a CTE program and find out I don’t like it? 

When a student starts a CTE program, he/she has 10 school days to decide whether to remain in the program for the full school year.  If they decide that they would like to have their schedule changed in that time period, they need to complete a “CTE Student Withdrawal Form.”  After 10 days, however, the student is to remain in the CTE Program for the duration of the school year.  The exception being if the school/teacher/program requests that the student be removed via a “Request for Removal from CTE” form, which must be submitted with proper documentation to the CTE Office for approval.

7. I was in a CTE Program at my old school, will I have to start over at PPS? 

8. Is it true that you can earn college credits by taking a CTE program? 

Many of the CTE programs offered by PPS have articulation agreements with Pennsylvania colleges and trade schools that can allow students who successfully complete their program to earn credits. 

9. How does the NOCTI exam help me? 

The NOCTI exam is the key requirement for a student to take advantage of state articulation agreements with post-secondary schools.  By taking advantage of an articulation agreement, students may save themselves both time and money by not duplicating the coursework which they already mastered in high school. In addition, students who pass the NOCTI receive either a certificate of competency or a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate, which they can include on their resume.

10. Am I able to get a tour of a program before I sign up? 

CTE Career Counselors are available to conduct virtual tours of all PPS CTE programs. CTE is very proud of its programs, facilities, and instructors and the staff is always happy to welcome visitors. Please contact your school counselor or the CTE office at 412-529-8690 to arrange a visit.

11. Are home-schooled students allowed to take CTE programs? 

Students who reside in the Pittsburgh Public School District and are home schooled  are eligible to take CTE programs, as are students enrolled in Pittsburgh Online Academy. Please contact the CTE Office at 412-529-8690 or cte@pghschools.org  for additional information regarding enrollment.

For more information, feel free to contact CTE at 412-529-8690 or send an e-mail message to cte@pghschools.org.