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.


Certified Welders per Welding Code AWS D1.1

Credential NameCertified Welders per Welding Code AWS D1.1
Credential Vendor InfoAmerican Welding Society (AWS)
https://www.aws.org

Carolina Welder Testing
Michael McCraw
105-J Woodland Trail
Kernersville, NC 27284
carolinaweldertesting@gmail.com
336.408.9257
https://www.aws.org
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementYes
Validation ArtifactCopy of AWS Certified Welder Card OR Documentation from AWS Testing Facility OR Any third-party that assures AWS code is met.
Credential Lead ConsultantJosh Bledsoe jbbledso@ncsu.edu
Course Number and TitleAS32 Agricultural Mechanics II
Credential as POLAS32 POL = No
Pathway(s)^Power, Structural, and Technical Systems (PSTE)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsNone
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
SequencingYes
Once complete, students can continue with pursuing additional welding credentials in other sections of the welding code.
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatPerformance-based
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Welding test must be done.
Test Site Options and RequirementsSchool or other welding shop.
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsN/A
Exam Time Allotment30 minutes
Exam Passing RequirementWeld must pass Certified Welding Inspector's review.
RetakesYes
Unlimited attempts
Student AccommodationsNo
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesStudents should collect pass/fail documentation from the testing facility utilized.