2023-2024 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.


Customer Service and Sales Certification

Credential NameCustomer Service and Sales Certification
Credential Vendor InfoNational Retail Federation
Kate Fessler
Director of Outreach, RISE Up
FesslerK@nrf.com
https://www.nrffoundation.org/riseup
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementYes
Validation ArtifactStudents receive downloadable, printable certificates and they can download digital badges through: https://www.credly.com
Credential Lead ConsultantFelisha Davis felisha.davis@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleMA52 Marketing Applications
Credential as POLMA52 POL = No
Pathway(s)^Marketing Management (MMGT)
Cost of Instructor Training$0.00
Instructor Training RequirementsAvailable
Instructors are not required to earn the Customer Service and Sales certification. However, NRF offers teachers complimentary credentials if they would like to earn certifications.
Exam Voucher Expiration1 year after purchase
Credential Lifespan3 years
Renewal OptionsYes
Students may complete a renewal form and pay a $25 renewal fee.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers (41-1012)
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)
ArticulationNo
SequencingYes
Customer Service and Sales is the middle credential in a stackable set that includes Retail Industry Fundamentals and Business of Retail: Operations and Profit. However, there is no professional credential that is required to be employed in retail.
Employer TransferabilityYes
The certification validates transferrable skills.
Delivery FormatOn-line
In some limited circumstances, paper-based exams are allowed (incarcerated individuals who are not able to access computers).
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsThere are no requirements to serve as a test site. Students may take the exam at school.
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsThe exam proctor must simply complete an attestation to follow exam protocol.
Exam Time Allotment90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement70% or higher
RetakesYes
Pay a $25.00 retake fee. The retake fee is waived if there are special circumstances that merit that.
Student AccommodationsYes
There is a time extension form and a more robust ADA form that includes screen readers, accommodations for students with IEPs, etc.
Multilingual Resources*Yes
Exams are available with a Spanish helping translation (English version with Spanish accompanying text).
Directory NotesStudent Badge - virtual and printable; student also receives wallet card. Partner with National Retail Federation; school becomes testing site once fee is paid.