What is CTE Concentrator / CTE Completer?

CTE concentrator and completer designations are fundamental to how CTE programs track student participation, measure outcomes, and report accountability data. These classifications distinguish between students who take a single CTE course and those who pursue a sustained, structured sequence of CTE coursework within a defined career pathway.

Under Perkins V, a CTE concentrator at the secondary level is defined as a student who has completed at least two courses in a single CTE program or program of study. At the postsecondary level, a concentrator is a student who has completed at least 12 academic or CTE credits within a single CTE program. However, states have flexibility to define concentrator status differently, and many have adopted definitions that require more than the federal minimum.

A CTE completer is a student who has finished all courses in a defined CTE program of study. Completion typically includes meeting all course sequence requirements, and may also involve earning an industry-recognized credential, completing a capstone experience, or demonstrating competency on an end-of-program assessment. Completer definitions are set by states and vary in their specificity.

These designations matter because Perkins V accountability metrics are calculated primarily using concentrator and completer data. The core indicators of performance, including graduation rates, academic proficiency, credential attainment, and postsecondary placement, are measured for CTE concentrators. This means that the accuracy and consistency of concentrator identification directly affects a district's accountability results.

Tracking concentrators and completers requires reliable data systems that can identify which students have completed the required courses within a specific pathway. This tracking is complicated by student mobility, schedule changes, and the challenge of defining pathway boundaries. CTE administrators must work closely with data teams and student information system managers to ensure accurate identification and reporting.

Why CTE Concentrator / CTE Completer Matters for CTE Programs

Accurate identification of CTE concentrators and completers is essential for Perkins V reporting and accountability. If a district underidentifies concentrators, it may miss reporting positive outcomes for students who should have been counted. If it overidentifies concentrators by counting students who have not actually met the criteria, it may dilute performance results with students who had minimal CTE engagement.

Concentrator and completer data also provides valuable program management insights. Tracking how many students progress from initial CTE coursework to concentrator and then completer status reveals the health of CTE pathways. High attrition between initial enrollment and concentration suggests barriers that need investigation, whether related to scheduling, course availability, student support, or program relevance.

For communication and advocacy purposes, completer data tells a powerful story. The number of students who complete a full CTE program of study and earn credentials demonstrates the substantive impact of CTE investments. CTE directors who can clearly articulate their concentration and completion rates strengthen their case for continued support and funding.

Key Components

State Variations

Concentrator and completer definitions are among the most variable aspects of CTE policy across states. Some states require two courses for concentrator status, matching the Perkins V minimum, while others require three or more. The specific courses that count, how they must be sequenced, and whether they must all fall within the same Career Cluster or pathway vary by state.

Completer definitions show even more variation. Some states define completion based purely on course sequence completion, while others require an industry certification, a technical skill assessment, or a capstone project. These definitional differences make cross-state comparisons of concentrator and completer rates challenging.

Common Misconceptions

Related Terms