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.


Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking

Credential NameCisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking
Credential Vendor InfoCertiport
Christy E Dye
Manager; Piedmont-Triad, North Central, Northeast, Sandhills, and Southeast regions
Christy.Dye@pearson.com
801.847.3147

Matt Johnson
Manager; Western, Northwest, and Southwest regions
Matt.Johnson1@pearson.com
801.772.3254
Credential Auto CollectYes
Diploma EndorsementCI11 = No
Validation Artifact"Results (264) Plus" report from Certiport
Credential Lead ConsultantBrent Curran brent.curran@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleCI11 Cisco Network Engineering Technology II
Credential as POLCI11 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)Cisco Network Engineering (CNEN)
Cost of Instructor Training$0.00
Instructor Training RequirementsNone
There are no requirements and the instructor does not need to hold the credential.
Exam Voucher Expiration12 months
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Computer Network Architects (15-1241)
Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231)
ArticulationNo
SequencingYes
This is an entry level certification that can serve as a foundation for more advanced Cisco certifications and degrees, or prove foundational competency for entry level jobs. This certification helps learners prepare for the subsequent Cisco Certification: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsSchools can serve as the test site or proctor remotely. Requirements to serve as a test site: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Educator-resources/Get-started.aspx
Testing Environment RequirementsTechnical requirements: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Support/Technical-requirements
Proctored RequirementsProctors must register with Certiport and have requested, through registration or within their personal profile, to "Become a Proctor”. Certiport requires that users accept the Proctor Agreement after reading, agreeing to, and understanding the terms, conditions and responsibilities.
Exam Time Allotment50 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement70% or higher
RetakesYes
If a student does not pass an exam the first time, the student must wait 24 hours before retaking the exam. If a student does not pass the second time, the student must wait two days (48 hours) before retaking the exam a third time. A two-day waiting period is imposed for each subsequent exam retake. There is no annual limit on the number of attempts on the same exam. If a student passes a Cisco exam, the student may take it again.
Student AccommodationsYes
Certiport is committed to ensuring that those persons with the desire to certify their proficiency in the use of computers should have the opportunity to do so. Certiport is committed to providing access for all individuals with disabilities. Certiport and its Authorized Testing Centers require advance notification of requests for accommodations as well as a reasonable amount of time to review and implement such requests. Certiport and its CATCs are not obligated to accommodate examinees with language limitations unrelated to a documented disability (e.g., literacy) nor to provide unlimited time for the completion of exams that are designed to certify not only knowledge, but also efficiency in the use of computers. Accommodations may include: Extended testing time A separate testing room A reader and/or recorder Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, no single type of test accommodation would necessarily be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities.

Process to apply: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Educator-resources/Exam-policies/Accommodations.aspx#apply
Multilingual Resources*Yes
https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Educator-resources/Exam-details/Exam-releases
Directory NotesNone