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.


North Carolina State Competency Exam

Credential NameNorth Carolina State Competency Exam
Credential Vendor InfoBriggs and Stratton
414.259.5291 or 1.800.934.7730
https://www.thepowerportal.com/Login.htm
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementAS33 = Yes
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantJosh Bledsoe
jbbledso@ncsu.edu
Course Number and TitleAS33 Agricultural Mechanics II - Small Engines
Credential as POLAS33 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)Power, Structural, and Technical Systems (PSTE)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
Instructor must register via Power Portal:
https://www.thepowerportal.com/register.htm
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Electricians (47-2111)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3041)
Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General (49-9071)
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (17-3027)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredNo
Test Site Options and RequirementsOn-line via student login
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsN/A
Exam Time Allotment60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement77% or above
RetakesYes
Three (3) attempts after 24-hour lockout
Student AccommodationsNo
Multilingual Resources*Yes
Directory NotesStudents are not expected to pass the Master Service Technician Exams; only the North Carolina Competency Exam. This exam is available once students are registered and linked to their instructor through the Briggs & Stratton Power Portal platform.