ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training, or CPT for short, is when a student in college or university is allowed to work off campus in a job that is related to the courses they are taking. It's kind of like a special internship that gives students the chance to learn new skills and get experience in their field of study.

Think of it this way - have you ever played a game where you had to complete levels to move on to the next one? CPT is like completing a level in your education. You've learned a lot in your classes, but now it's time to apply that knowledge in a real-world setting.

Let's say you're studying to be a veterinarian. You might be able to do CPT at a local animal hospital, where you get to help take care of animals and learn more about how to treat them. Or if you're studying to be a graphic designer, you might do CPT at a marketing firm where you get to create designs for different clients.

But wait, there's a catch. You don't get to just pick any job you want - the job you do for CPT has to be related to your major. And your college or university has to approve the job before you can start working there.

CPT is a great opportunity for students to learn more about their field, gain experience, and even make some extra money. Just like completing a level in a game, it's a big accomplishment in a student's education!