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.

North Carolina Hunter Education Training

Credential Name	North Carolina Hunter Education Training
Credential Vendor Info	Hunter Ed https://www.hunter-ed.com/northcarolina This is the delegated provider for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and is the current vendor.
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AN52 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of student certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Code and Title	AN52 Natural Resources II
Credential as POL	AN52 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Natural Resources (NARE)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Available
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Conservation Scientists (19-1031) First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011) Forest and Conservation Technicians (19-4071) Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists (33-2022) Recreation Workers (39-9032) Soil and Plant Scientists (19-1013) Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (19-1023)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online or Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	School or on-line
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	45 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	80% or higher
Retakes	Yes Unlimited attempts
Student Accommodations	Yes If a participant needs testing accommodations, such as read-aloud, the participant must contact the instructor individually prior to the test.
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.