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.


National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification

Credential NameNational Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification
Credential Vendor InfoNational Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP)
https://www.extension.psu.edu/national-safe-tractor-and-machinery-operation-program
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementAL21 = Yes
AS32 = Yes
Validation ArtifactFormal USDOL certificate with NSTMOP certification number
Credential Lead ConsultantJosh Bledsoe
jbbledso@ncsu.edu
Course Number and TitleAL21 Christmas Tree Production I (LCO)
AS32 Agricultural Mechanics II
Credential as POLAL21 POL = No
AS32 POL = No
Pathway(s)Power, Structural, and Technical Systems (PSTE)
Cost of Instructor Training$39.00
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
Teacher must be a certified NSTMOP Instructor.
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Electricians (47-2111)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3041)
Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General (49-9071)
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (17-3027)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatPaper/pencil and Performance-based
Proctored Environment RequiredNo
Test Site Options and RequirementsIn-person (written exam and performance)
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsN/A
Exam Time Allotment1 hour
Exam Passing Requirement70% or higher
RetakesYes
Student AccommodationsNo
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesStudents age 14 or older can obtain this credential. To get a list of instructors in our state, send a request to nstmop@psu.edu.

Course registration:
https://extension.psu.edu/national-safe-tractor-and-machinery-operation-program-nstmop-instructor-training