Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA)

Credential Name	Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA)
Credential Vendor Info	ToolingU Krista Maurer 1000 Town Center, Suite 1910 \| Southfield, MI 48075 216.706.6635 https://www.sme.org/
Implementation Year	2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IK68 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	LCO
Course Number and Title	IK68 Industrial, Trade, and Technology Applications (LCO)
Credential as POL	IK68 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	LCO Manufacturing (LCMN)*
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00
Instructor Training Requirements	None There are no requirements for the instructor. The company does not require the instructor to hold the credential; however, our district policy will require them to have the credential.
Exam Voucher Expiration	Vouchers to be used within the school year; however, their is no expiration date.
Credential Lifespan	5 years
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	On-line
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Test Site Options and Requirements	None
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Proctored Requirements	The proctor must complete the proctor form two weeks prior to the test administration. It can be proctored by any staff member. https://www.sme.org/training/technicalcertification/certified-manufacturing-associate/
Exam Time Allotment	2 hours (open book, open Note)
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes Must wait 30 days after initial test to retest at a reduced cost
Student Accommodations	Yes They allow students needing accommodations an additional hour to take the exam.
Multilingual Resources*	Yes They are provided in Spanish.
Directory Notes	None

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.