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.

Hospitality and Tourism Specialist

Credential Name	Hospitality and Tourism Specialist
Credential Vendor Info	National Restaurant Association Lauren Robin LLC Manager, K12 Academic Sales 233 S. Wacker Dr., Ste 3600 \| Chicago, IL 60606 lrobin@restaurant.org 312-627-2424 https://ahlei.servsafebrands.com/academic-overview/high-school-overview/hospitality-and-tourism-management/student-credentials
Implementation Year	2024-2025
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	FH32 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Gwen Turner gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	FH32 Hospitality and Tourism Management II
Credential as POL	FH32 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Hospitality and Tourism Management (HOTM)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00
Instructor Training Requirements	None
Exam Voucher Expiration	None
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling (11-9072) First-line Supervisors of Entertainment And Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services (39-1014) First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers (35-1012) Food Servers, Nonrestaurant (35-3041) Food Service Managers (11-9051) Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop (35-9031) Lodging Managers (11-9081)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online or Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	The proctor can be the instructor. An application is required to gain proctor status.
Test Site Options and Requirements	Standard classroom environment used for administering an exam
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	60 minutes Depending on proctor preference, exam can be administered as one exam or broken into two.
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes
Student Accommodations	Yes Accommodation forms are available at the proctor's discretion. Accommodations are available to extend exam time up to three hours.
Multilingual Resources*	No
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.