Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

Credential Version

Starting with SY 26-27, for credentials offered through Certiport, NCDPI will only recognize the three most current versions as of August of the current school year.
These credentials are indicated by two asterisks in the Validation Artifact field of the Credential Information.

Law and Public Safety Introductory Level Competency

Credential Name	Law and Public Safety Introductory Level Competency
Credential Vendor Info	STACC https://staccexams.com/
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IP11 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Melissa Leeds melissa.leeds@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	IP11 Public Safety I
Credential as POL	IP11 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Emergency Management (EMMG) Public Safety (PSPW) Emergency Medical Technology (EMMT) Firefighter Technology (FIFI) Law and Justice (LAWJ)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	None
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Correctional Officers and Jailers (33-3012) Detectives and Criminal Investigators (33-3021) Emergency Management Directors (11-9161) First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers (33-1011) Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes This is intended as a foundational certification that leads students into their stackable certification at the next recognized level.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online and Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	No Recommended but not required. Defer to district policy. Note: This does not apply to all STACC credentials.
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	N/A
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes Up to two retakes are allowed. First retake can be taken the next school day. Second retake must be taken after one calendar week from the first retake. The original exam price applies.
Student Accommodations	Yes https://lapsen.org/student-certification/
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Effective SY24-25, the vendor for this credential has changed from YouScience to Scholastic Testing and Credential Certifications (STACC).

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.

^ 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.