Certification

Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL®)
“CETL certifications came at a critical time in Utah, as our state legislators continue to wrestle with how to best fund the infrastructure needs for one-to-one as a state. CETLs have added support and credibility to the excellent group of technologists in districts around the state and the CETL framework has enhanced our conversations about best practices when implementing one-to-one. CETL certification has been affirming and empowering for all who have participated in seeking this distinction. With this credential in hand, technology directors, CTOs, and CIOs around the state have reasserted their place at the table in discussing the role of technology in education.”
—David Long, CETL, Director of Technology, Logan School District, Utah
For K-12 education technology leaders, earning the CETL® certification will demonstrate to your staff, superintendent, and other stakeholders that you have mastered the knowledge and skills needed to define the vision for and successfully build 21st century learning environments in your school district.
Review our infographic on the CETL. View our Directory of Certified Education Technology Leaders to see who you can talk to about this certification. You can also Email us or call 202-524-8464 for any inquiries.
Eligibility Requirements to sit for the CETL® Exam
Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree plus four (4) years of education technology experience. Education technology experience is defined as demonstrable experience in the three overarching skill areas of the Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO:
- Leadership and Vision
- Understanding the Educational Environment
- Managing Technology and Support Resources
If candidates do not meet the minimum education requirements, they must have at least seven (7) years of demonstrable experience. To be deemed eligible using these criteria, candidates must request a waiver of the education requirements in writing to the Certification Governance Committee (CGC). This request should include: 1) a current CV or resume; 2) a cover letter outlining the candidate's experience relative to the outline of what is covered on the CETL exam; and 3) a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. The full Eligibility Policy, with inforamtion about seeking a waiver, can be found here. Please contact certification@cosn.org for more information.
Get to Know Current CETLs
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Brian Borosh, CETL, Pennsylvania | Pete Just, CETL, Indiana | Maureen Chertow Miller, CETL, Illinois | John Orbaugh, CETL, Texas | Jeremy Shorr, CETL, Ohio |
CETL® in the News
- February 11, 2016 In Their Own Words: Utah's Ed Tech Leaders Share Thoughts on CETL
- May 22, 2018 Carson City School District retains half of state’s CETL designees
Other CoSN Resources
- Superintendent Self-Assessment
- District Leadership Team Assessment
- CETL Certification Flyer
- CTO Evaluation Rubric
- CTO Interview Questions
- CTO Job Description
- CTO Self-Assessment
- References & Resources
Generous support provided by: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Filewave, HP, Morgridge Family Foundation.
CETL is a registered trademark of CoSN.