Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

North Carolina Early Childhood Credential

Credential Name	North Carolina Early Childhood Credential
Credential Vendor Info	North Carolina Division of Child Development Workforce Education Unit Heather Marler Manager heather.marler@dhhs.nc.gov 919-814-0161
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	FE11 = Yes
Validation Artifact	NCECC Equivalency Reporting and Accountability Verification Form
Credential Lead Consultant	Valerie Williams valerie.williams@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and Title	FE11 Early Childhood Education I
Credential as POL	FE11 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Early Childhood Development and Services (EACH)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00
Instructor Training Requirements	None Prefer experience in Early Childhood
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Childcare Workers (39-9011) Preschool Teachers (25-2011) Residential Advisors (39-9041) Self-Enrichment Teachers (25-3021) Social and Human Service Assistants (21-1093)
Articulation	Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	None
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	N/A
Exam Passing Requirement	Students must earn an A or B in the course and must be proficient on the Performance-based Measurement.
Retakes	No Student must retake course at the community college.
Student Accommodations	No Proof of Learning options follow IEP modifications as necessary. There are no accommodations specifically needed for this credential.
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	NCECC Equivalency Reporting and Accountability Verification Form is posted on ECE Moodle by NCDPI CTE state staff consultant. Student creates a DCDEE WORKS account. Student submits the necessary paperwork to the DHHS Workforce Education Unit for education evaluation. Students will obtain status letters via their DCOEE WORKS account. There is no cost for this qualification. For credential obtainment reporting, students must earn an A or B in the course, be proficient on the Performance-based Measurement, and create their DCDEE WORKS account.

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.