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.


Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Routing and Switching

Credential NameCisco Certified Technician (CCT) Routing and Switching
Credential Vendor InfoCISCO Networking Learning Network
https://www.cisco.com
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementYes
Validation ArtifactCopy of Certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantBrent Curran brent.curran@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleII12 Cisco Network Engineering Technology II
Credential as POLII12 POL = Yes     Note: Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Routing and Switching
Pathway(s)^Cisco Network Engineering (CNEN)
Cost of Instructor Training$195.50
per teacher
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
Instructor must take up to three courses depending on prior experience.
Exam Voucher Expiration1 year
Credential Lifespan3 years
Renewal OptionsYes
Retake exam but most likely will lead to a higher-level certification instead.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Computer Network Architects (15-1241)
Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsSee requirements here:
https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Test-center/pearsonvue_facility_reqs.aspx
Testing Environment RequirementsSee requirements here:
https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Test-center/pearsonvue_facility_reqs.aspx
Proctored RequirementsSigned proctor agreement.
Exam Time Allotment90 minutes
Exam Passing RequirementExam is pass/fail. Passing score is not published.
RetakesYes
Must repurchase a voucher. Must wait five days between attempts.
Student AccommodationsYes
https://www.pearsonvue.com/accommodations/pv_review.asp?clientName=Cisco%20Systems
Multilingual Resources*Yes
https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers.aspx
Directory NotesTesting scheduled through Pearson.