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 SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)

Credential NameCertified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
Credential Vendor InfoCarolina Training Associates
Michelle Burgess
michelle@carolinatraining.com
252.947.1063
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementYes
Validation ArtifactCopy of Certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantNolan Fahrer nolan.fahrer@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleIV22 Drafting II - Engineering
Credential as POLIV22 POL = Yes     Note: Autodesk Certified User Inventor OR Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
Pathway(s)^Drafting Engineering (DREN)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsAvailable
Instructors that are certified can prepare students better.
Exam Voucher Expiration1 year
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Architectural and Civil Drafters (17-3011)
Mechanical Drafters (17-3013)
ArticulationNorth Carolina Community Colleges (NCCCS)
SequencingYes
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsSee requirements here:
https://www.solidworks.com/certifications/solidworks-accredited-educator-certification
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsMust be an approved SolidWorks Certification Provider.
Exam Time Allotment3 hours
Exam Passing Requirement70% or higher
RetakesYes
After a 14-day waiting period.
Student AccommodationsNo
Multilingual Resources*Yes
Numerous languages
Directory NotesCopy of student's SolidWorks CSWA -Academic Certificate. Certification is intended for a student with a minimum of 6 to 9 months of SolidWorks experience and 45 hours of classroom time. For more information, visit:
http://www.solidworks.com/sw/education/cswa-academic-exam.html