Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows eligible F-1 students to engage in off-campus work that is an integral part of their program of study, such as internships or cooperative education.
Highlights:
- Must be directly related to your major. CPT is integral to your major, and the experience must be a part of your program of study.
- Requires a job offer before authorization.
- A signed cooperative agreement or a letter from your employer is required for CPT.
- Can be full-time (20+ hours/week) or part-time (20 hours or fewer/week).
- Must be approved before starting employment. Contact dso@potomac.edu
Eligibility Requirements:
- Completion of one full academic year (exceptions apply for graduate programs that require immediate CPT).
- Must be in valid F-1 status.
- Job must be an essential part of the curriculum
Note: Please note that if you complete 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will be ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, part-time CPT will not affect your eligibility for OPT.