About the Certified Texas Economic Developer (CTED) Program
Texas’ first and only professional certification for economic development.
The Texas Economic Development Council and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service have partnered to create the Certified Texas Economic Developer Certification Program. The CTED is the highest distinction of knowledge and credibility for Texas-based economic development practitioners. It is an expert-led, peer-driven certification program for active economic development professionals with curriculum tailor-made and unique to Texas.
Consider becoming a Certified Texas Economic Developer to take your career to the next level and be recognized as the one of the best economic developers in Texas! Requirements for eligibility apply.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a TEDC ACTIVE member in good standing
- Has successfully completed the Texas Basic Economic Development Course
- Has attended an Economic Development Sales Tax Workshop within the past two years
- Is currently (or has been) a full time, paid economic development practitioner for three consecutive years in Texas with a qualified organization
Course Curriculum
The CTED Program includes eight course modules. All eight modules must be completed to be eligible to be a Certified Texas Economic Developer. Course modules 1-7 can be taken in any order, therefore, a program participant can complete the courses as they are offered and not in chronological order.
- Leadership and Professionalism
- Strategic Planning
- Innovative Strategies for Business Retention & Expansion
- Advanced Real Estate Development & Reuse
- Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies
- Talent Ecosystem and Workforce Development
- Advanced Economic Development Finance
- Project/Group Exercise
Other Important Information
- There is a non-refundable $150 application fee to apply for this certification program.
- Applications and program enrollment is managed by the TEDC.
- Course module registration is managed by Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
- All courses will be hosted onsite at Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service facilities in College Station, Texas.
- Travel costs to attend the courses are at the participant's expense and are not included in the course module fee.
- Class-size is limited.
- Course module fees may vary. (Fee per course range between $900-$1,100 and are subject to change)
- Course hours per module will range between 8 to 12 hours.
- Course dates will be published on this page as they are scheduled.
Course Dates and Location
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies
January 27, 2025 (8 hour course module)
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service(TEEX) Headquarters, 200 Technology Way, College Station, TX 77845
Talent Ecosystem and Workforce Development
January 28, 2025 (8 hour course module)
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service(TEEX) Headquarters, 200 Technology Way, College Station, TX 77845
Future course dates will be posted here.
Consider becoming a Certified Texas Economic Developer to take your career to the next level and be recognized as the one of the best economic developers in Texas!
This program is tailored to Texas economic development and will provide the participant with a high-level of economic development principles, theory and practice in order to better lead and support Texas economic development organizations and build thriving communities across the state.
Complete the CTED application and submit to Amy Swank amy@texasedc.org along with your resume to be considered for this program. An application fee of $150 applies and is non-refundable. Please review the eligibility requirements before submitting the application along with your resume.
The Certified Texas Economic Developer (CTED) Program is a partnership between the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
