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.


National Beef Quality Assurance Cow/Calf Certification

Credential NameNational Beef Quality Assurance Cow/Calf Certification
Credential Vendor InfoBeef Quality Assurance (BQA)
https://www.bqa.beeflearningcenter.org/
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementAA22 = Yes
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantJosh Bledsoe
jbbledso@ncsu.edu
Course Number and TitleAA22 Animal Science II - Food Animal
Credential as POLAA22 POL = No
Pathway(s)Animal Science (ANSC)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
No instructor training required since the course is offered online to students.
Instructor Training RequirementsAvailable
Online course only
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential Lifespan3 years
Renewal OptionsYes
Student must retake the course and exam to renew.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Animal Breeders (45-2021)
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers (11-9013)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (31-9096)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredNo
Test Site Options and RequirementsOnline
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsN/A
Exam Time Allotment30 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement70% or higher
RetakesYes
Must retake course to retake exam
Student AccommodationsNo
Multilingual Resources*Yes
Directory NotesNone