2024-2025 Credential Information

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.
Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.
Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.
Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

Footnotes:
^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.


Certified Protection Officer (CPO)

Credential NameCertified Protection Officer (CPO)
Credential Vendor InfoSTACC
https://testscert.com/
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementIP42 = Yes
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantDavid Barbour
david.barbour@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleIP42 Law and Justice II
Credential as POLIP42 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)Emergency Management (EMMG)
Law and Justice (LAWJ)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
https://lapsen.org/cpocertification/
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
Must have CPO and CPOi certification
Exam Voucher Expiration1 year
Credential Lifespan2 years
Renewal OptionsYes
Recertification information:
https://ifpo.org/recertification/
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Correctional Officers and Jailers (33-3012)
Detectives and Criminal Investigators (33-3021)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers (33-1011)
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives (33-1012)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051)
ArticulationNo
SequencingYes
This certification prepares students to be successful in pursuing the IFPO National certification and is recognized by all security companies in NC as a sequential certification for unarmed security guards.
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsPaper Test
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsUses a CPOi instructor
Exam Time Allotment4 hours
Must be at least 18 or enrolled in school and have parental consent if under 18 to take the test
Exam Passing Requirement60% or higher
RetakesYes
An additional fee of $85.00
Student AccommodationsYes
https://lapsen.org/student-certification/
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesMust be at least 18 or enrolled in school and have parental consent if under 18 to take the test.

Effective SY24-25, the vendor for this credential has changed from YouScience to Scholastic Testing and Credential Certifications (STACC).