If you participate in 12 months or more of full-time CPT you are not eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training. However, if you participate in less than 12 months of CPT, you may still use all 12 months of Optional Practical Training. Participation in authorized “part-time” curricular practical training does not “add up” and therefore, does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training. Part-time employment is defined as 20 hours or fewer per week.