CTE Technical Standards
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Aesthetics
Deliver professional skincare and makeup services within a dynamic spa environment including eyelash extensions. Perform advanced skincare analysis and treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Enhance skin health by performing personalized consultations, facials, and exfoliation treatments.
Agriscience
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on August 18, 2018. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on November 26, 2018.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the AgriScience program.
Automation & Robotics
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on October 1 and November 5, 2020. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on January 27, 2021.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Automation and Robotics program.
Barbering
Learn the art of barbering including cutting, coloring, and shaving. Train in a salon setting using mannequins and live models. Learn the latest in skin care, facials, and straight razor techniques.
Business Management
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on January, 28 and February 4, 2021. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on May 19, 2021.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Business Management program.
Construction Technologies
Learn all aspects of construction including design, estimating, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electrical. Obtain basic working knowledge of construction trade skills through hands-on experience in a lab setting with an emphasis on the safe use of hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary power equipment. Experience job-focused training through practical building projects to gain entry-level employment in the construction industry.
Cosmetology (Hairstyling)
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on March 12, 2019. Students who complete this program will be eligible to apply for the Arizona Cosmetology License. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on July 14, 2019.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Cosmetology and Related Services program.
Culinary Arts
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on February 21, 2017. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on May 24, 2017.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Culinary Arts program.
Cybersecurity - Network Security
Investigate and eliminate security threats to networks using cyber forensics to mitigate hackers, malicious attacks, and terrorism. Work with information technology specialists to design, install, and troubleshoot complex computer network systems in physical and cloud-based environments. Protect computers and networks through the configuration of powerful hardware and software using cybersecurity programs and firewalls.
Dental Assisting
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on November 11, December 5, January 9, and February 23, 2021. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on May 19, 2021.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Dental Assisting program.
Drone Technology
Build, program, and fly high-tech drones to perform data-gathering missions. Work with clients and industry leaders on mission planning, flight operations, and analysis. Apply emerging technologies in agriculture, public safety, marketing, engineering, and surveying.
Electronic Vehicle
Use the same advanced diagnostic and repair equipment as industry professionals to troubleshoot automotive systems. Work on hybrid vehicles in a high-tech environment. Diagnose, service, and repair high voltage electric vehicles and charging stations.
Engineering
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on September 17, 2020. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on January 27, 2021.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Engineering program.
Film and TV Production
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on April 10, 2025. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, reviewed these standards on May 27, 2025.
Fire Service
An Industry Standards Validation Committee developed and approved these standards on March 15, 2016. They align with the NFPA Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications in preparation for the Firefighter I Certification. Students may also be eligible for the Emergency Medical Technician certification, CPR certification, First Aid Certification and completion of the Hazardous Materials First Responder NFPA 472 and the Wildland S130/190. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System and the end-of-program assessments, certificates and transcripts, endorsed these standards on May 12, 2016. The first testing date for the end-of-program assessment for Fire Service using the new standards is Fall 2016.
Graphic Design
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on February 2, 2019. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on May 1, 2019.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Graphic Design program.
Home Health Aide – Patient Care
These technical standards were adapted from the Direct Care Worker Training and Testing Program developed by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Students who complete this program are eligible to take the Arizona Standardized DCW Test to demonstrate they have the required knowledge and skills to be a qualified DCW. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, reviewed these standards on May 27, 2025.
Hospitality Management
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on February 18, 2016. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on May 12, 2016.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Hospitality Management program.
Laboratory Assisting – Medical Laboratory
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on January 11 and February 10, 2023. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on July 16, 2023.
Law & Public Safety
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on September 6, 2019. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on October 9, 2019.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Law and Public Safety program.
Medical Assisting
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on February 23, 2019. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on July 14, 2019.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Medical Assisting Services program.
Mental & Social Health Technician: Behavioral Health
The original standards for this program were reviewed and edited at the request of the Program Specialist and teachers of this program on June 8, 2018. As a result, the focus of the standards was changed from the profession to the technician responsible for the work. The outcome is an updated set of standards and a new program name. Students completing this program will be eligible to obtain the Certified Mental Health Technician certification. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating entity for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed the standards on July 15, 2018. The first testing using the new standards is Fall 2020.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Mental and Social Health Technician program.
Nail Technician
Express individual creativity utilizing a wide range of nail care techniques using the latest technology and trends. Create artistic designs, artificial enhancements, and provide natural nail services. Manage client relationships, and provide recommendations for ongoing health and safety.
Pharmacy Support Services
A Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on January 30 and February 15, 2021. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on May 19, 2021.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Pharmacy Support Services program.
Physical Therapy
Use sports-specific training, injury recognition, and physical therapy to prepare and rehabilitate the physically active. Use advanced ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies, and mobility assist devices to rehabilitate patients after injury or illness. Prepare clinic facilities, chart progress, and provide the individual patient plan documentation.
Powersports
Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain gas-powered recreational vehicles and industrial equipment. Operate the same advanced diagnostics and specialized equipment found in professional facilities. Maximize the performance of motorcycles, ATVs, and watercraft.
Software & App Design
A Standards Validation Committee of industry representatives and educators reviewed and updated these standards on December 11, 2017. Completion of the program prepares students to meet the requirements of one or more industry certification: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate, Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, Certified Internet Web (CIW) – JavaScript Specialist, CompTIA A+, ComTIA IT Fundamentals, CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate, and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating entity for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on January 25, 2018.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Software and App Design program.
Sports Medicine & Rehab
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on February 13, 2018. Completion of the program prepares students to meet the requirements of one or more certification: Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Physical Therapy Aide, Emergency Medical Responder, and/or OSHA 10-Healthcare. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on April 26, 2018.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program.
sUAS Drone
Build, program, and fly high-tech drones to perform data-gathering missions. Work with clients and industry leaders on mission planning, flight operations, and analysis. Apply emerging technologies in agriculture, public safety, marketing, engineering, and surveying.
Therapeutic Massage
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on Novermber 14, 2017. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards o January 25, 2018.
Note: Arizona’s Professtional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Therapeutic Massage program.
Veterinary Assisting
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on October 1, 2019. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on January 22, 2020.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Veterinary Assisting program.
Welding Technologies
An Industry Technical Standards Validation Committee developed and validated these standards on February 18, 2021. The Arizona Career and Technical Education Quality Commission, the validating authority for the Arizona Skills Standards Assessment System, endorsed these standards on May 19, 2021.
Note: Arizona’s Professional Skills are taught as an integral part of the Welding Technologies program.