This is defined in the Michigan Administrative Code. According to R 395.241, Rule 11, a "Department-approved formal CTE program or curriculum" consists of:
A coherent sequence of courses so that students gain academic, technical, and work behavior skills.
Instruction that includes classroom, laboratory, work-based learning, and leadership opportunities.
Instruction that is supervised directed or coordinated by an appropriately certificated CTE teacher.
Consists of standards approved by the State Board (R395.243, Rule 13).
Must receive approval from MDE/OCTE through an application process (R 395.244, Rule 14).
According to R 395.243, Rule 13 "Successful Completion" means:
Complete coursework covering all-state program standards and/or
Take any required technical assessment
For state and federal funding purposes, a new CTE instructional program must submit an application to operate, which must be approved by the MDE CTE office. The number of courses covering the standards in a CTE program is determined by the district and submitted in its application. The district may design one or two-year programs. Not all high school students in CTE instructional programs can complete the requirements for certificates. Some industry certificates/licensures can only be received once a student turns 18 years old or after they have completed additional post-secondary coursework.