The ISTE Standards are designed to work with learning models such as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)[citation needed] and support the implementation of content-area standards, including the Common Core State Standards.

The certification program is a competency-based model where educators submit artifacts showing their ability to use technology to support learning.

Upon successful completion of a peer-review process, educators are considered "ISTE Certified" ISTE released the first version of the Student Standards in 1998 under the name National Educational Technology Standards (NETS).

At that time, the standards focused on technology skills in students.

[7][8] Also in 2018, to recognize the importance of computer science and STEM education as well as student problem-solving skills, ISTE released the ISTE Computational Thinking Competencies.