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.

CompTIA Network+

Credential Name	CompTIA Network+
Credential Vendor Info	CompTIA Travis Wilde Account Executive, Academic Sales twilde@comptia.org O:(385)233-5328 C:(801)787-5615 https://www.partners.comptia.org/how-to/purchase-vouchers/us-canada-academy-partners Pearson VUE Steven Reinke, Channel Sales Manager steven.reinke@pearson.com 612.412.8588 https://www.partners.comptia.org/how-to/purchase-vouchers/us-canada-academy-partners
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	CI21 = Yes CL61 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Pearson VUE report OR student certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Brent Curran brent.curran@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	CI21 Network Administration II Honors CL61 Fundamentals of Information Security II (LCO)
Credential as POL	CI21 POL = Yes CompTIA Network+ CL61 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Network Administration (NEAD)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Available Suggested only
Exam Voucher Expiration	1 year
Credential Lifespan	3 years
Renewal Options	Yes Certification can be renewed by obtaining 30 CEUs with CompTIA's Continuing Education program OR Can be renewed if student obtains a higher level certification
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Computer and Information Systems Managers (11-3021) Computer Network Architects (15-1241) Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231) Computer Programmers (15-1251) Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211) Database Administrators (15-1242) Database Architects (15-1243) Information Security Analysts (15-1212) Network and Computer Systems Administrators (15-1244) Software Developers (15-1252) Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers (15-1253)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Signed proctor agreement
Test Site Options and Requirements	https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Test-center/pearsonvue_facility_reqs.aspx
Testing Environment Requirements	https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Test-center/pearsonvue_facility_reqs.aspx Pearson VUE may require parent or guardian on site before testing begins.
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	At least 720 on a scale of 100-900
Retakes	Yes Must repurchase a voucher. No waiting time between attempt one and two, then 14 days between additional attempts.
Student Accommodations	Yes https://www.pearsonvue.com/accommodations/pv_review.asp?clientName=CompTIA
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Must be an organization administrator to access student reports

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.