CTEC 60 Hour Qualifying Education Course - California Tax Courses. 1. Complete a New Preparer Application with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). There are three (3) steps to this process: STEP 1 – Complete the New Preparer Application online at the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) website. Click here to go to the application page. STEP 2 – Complete the Live Scans Process. STEP 3 – CTEC Notification of Live Scan Approval or Denial. NOTE: You have the option to start your required 60-Hour Qualifying Education (QE) Course before beginning the New Preparer Online Application; however, if you take the 60-Hour QE Course but do NOT pass the new CTEC requirements of a background check and fingerprinting procedure (Live Scan), you will not be able to register with CTEC. 2. 3. 4. 5.