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.

First Aid

Credential Name	First Aid
Credential Vendor Info	American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid?utm_source=RCO&utm_medium=For_Individuals_Find_Classes_and_Certification&utm_content=First_Aid American Heart Association (AHA) https://www.cpr.heart.org Refer to the main website of the preferred curriculum vendor and select a local training center.
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	HL31 = Yes HP71 = Yes HU40 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of student card stating the exact wording of the credential name
Credential Lead Consultant	Melissa Leeds melissa.leeds@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	HL31 Dental Anatomy I (LCO) HP71 PLTW Human Body Systems HU40 Health Science I
Credential as POL	HL31 POL = No HP71 POL = No HU40 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Biomedical Technology (BTCP) Biotechnology Research and Development (PLWB) Dental Science (DNSC)^ Healthcare Professional (HPCP) Emergency Management (EMMG) Emergency Medical Technology (EMMT)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00 CPR/First Aid instructor training cost varies by vendor and local training center.
Instructor Training Requirements	Required CPR Instructor certification
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	2 years
Renewal Options	Yes Complete first aid training with the Heartsaver course (instruction and in-person skill checkoffs)
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Agricultural Technicians (19-4012) Biological Technicians (19-4021) Calibration Technologists and Technicians (17-3028) Chemical Technicians (19-4031) Dental Assistants (31-9091) Dental Hygienists (29-1292) Dental Laboratory Technicians (51-9081) Healthcare Support Workers, All Other (31-9099) Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians (17-3026) Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (29-2056)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Paper/pencil and Performance-based Written paper tests and performance-based skills checkoffs
Proctored Environment Required	Yes Exam administered by certified CPR instructor
Proctored Requirements	Administered by certified CPR Instructor
Test Site Options and Requirements	N/A
Testing Environment Requirements	Requirements mandated by the training center based on CPR level of instruction
Exam Time Allotment	Not timed
Exam Passing Requirement	Students complete 80% or higher on written examination and performance mastery of skills designated by the vendor for certification.
Retakes	Yes With remediation
Student Accommodations	No
Multilingual Resources*	Yes Varies by vendor
Directory Notes	Training and instructional resources are provided within the curriculum offered by either American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Curriculum must be presented to students by a qualified First Aid/CPR instructor or BLS instructor aligned with either Red Cross or American Heart Association.

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.