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 PROFESSIONAL member in good standing
Has successfully completed the Basic Economic Development Course accredited by the International Economic Development Council. If the applicant completed the BEDC outside of Texas, then a minimum of ten consecutive years of experience in economic development in Texas is required.
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.
Download CTED Application
Course Dates and Location
Advanced Economic Development Finance
April 14-15, 2025 (12 hour course module)
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service(TEEX) Headquarters, 200 Technology Way, College Station, TX 77845
Final Project and/or Group Exercise
April 15-16, 2025 (12 hour course module)
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service(TEEX) Headquarters, 200 Technology Way, College Station, TX 77845
Leadership and Professionalism
July 15, 2025 (8 hour course module)
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service(TEEX) Headquarters, 200 Technology Way, College Station, TX 77845
Advanced Strategic Planning
July 16-17, 2025 (12 hour course module)
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service(TEEX) Headquarters, 200 Technology Way, College Station, TX 77845
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).
