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.


Forest Worker Certification

Credential NameForest Worker Certification
Credential Vendor InfoNorth Carolina Forestry Association
Jessica Ireland
Director of Education Programs
1600 Glenwood Ave., Suite 1 | Raleigh, NC 27608
jireland@ncforestry.org
919-834-3943 ext. 3
https://www.forestryworks.com/
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementAN53 = No
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantJosh Bledsoe
joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu
Course Number and TitleAN53 Natural Resources II - Forestry
Credential as POLAN53 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)Natural Resources (NARE)
Cost of Instructor Training$0.00
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
Teachers are required to complete a professional development training offered through the North Carolina Forestry Association, North Carolina ForestryWorks in conjunction with Agriculture Education summer workshops, CTE summer conference, and additional standalone offerings as needed.
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011)
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists (33-2022)
Recreation Workers (39-9032)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsOnline, onsite at school
Testing Environment RequirementsComputers with Internet access
Proctored RequirementsTeachers completing professional development training for the credential are certified to teach the course and credential; these teachers will proctor the exam. A conditional certificate will be offered for teachers who are not fully certified.
Exam Time Allotment90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement70% or higher
RetakesYes
Two times after a 24-hour lockout period
Additional opportunities will be available through remediation of the course.
Student AccommodationsYes
When a teacher requests the exam, they can request and explain any needed accommodations (e.g., additional time, reader, translator, etc.).
Multilingual Resources*Yes
Spanish
Directory NotesNone