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.

Aerial Mapping with Drones: 2D and 3D Application

Credential Name	Aerial Mapping with Drones: 2D and 3D Application
Credential Vendor Info	STACC https://staccexams.com/
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	ID12 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Jim Pressly james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	ID12 Drone Technology II Honors
Credential as POL	ID12 POL = Yes Aerial Mapping with Drones: 2D and 3D Application AND NFPA 2400. MUST PASS BOTH
Pathway(s)	Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UMAS)
Cost of Instructor Training	$450.00
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Must hold certification and teacher certification
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1041) Aircraft Service Attendants (53-6032) Airfield Operations Specialists (53-2022) Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (53-2011) Transportation Inspectors (53-6051)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes ESRI is a leader in GIS and mapping. This credential is part of their overall certification offering but specializes in drone mapping.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online, Paper/pencil, and Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	Yes https://app.staccexams.com/STACC-Examination-Manual.pdf
Proctored Requirements	Certified Instructor
Test Site Options and Requirements	Certified Instructor - written test and skills verification
Testing Environment Requirements	Classroom equipment list required for skills portion
Exam Time Allotment	60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes
Student Accommodations	Yes STACC Examination Manual page 20 covers all accommodations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OhsV7meswD_SrMS2hO-kLTXWz4aWgzZQB1U2LRjmmBc/edit?usp=sharing
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	The teacher must be trained and certified to certify students. Students must meet flight requirements. Effective SY24-25, the vendor for this credential has changed from YouScience to Scholastic Testing and Credential Certifications (STACC).

NFPA 2400

Credential Name	NFPA 2400
Credential Vendor Info	STACC https://staccexams.com/
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	ID12 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Jim Pressly james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	ID12 Drone Technology II Honors
Credential as POL	ID12 POL = Yes Aerial Mapping with Drones 2D and 3D AND NFPA 2400. MUST PASS BOTH
Pathway(s)	Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UMAS)
Cost of Instructor Training	$450.00
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Teacher must hold the certification and Teacher certification. Teacher must be trained and certified to certify students.
Exam Voucher Expiration	None
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1041) Aircraft Service Attendants (53-6032) Airfield Operations Specialists (53-2022) Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (53-2011) Transportation Inspectors (53-6051)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes NFPA is the national standards organization for firefighting and most states require certifications from NFPA in this field.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online, Paper/pencil, and Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	Yes https://app.staccexams.com/STACC-Examination-Manual.pdf
Proctored Requirements	Certified Instructor
Test Site Options and Requirements	Certified Instructor - written test and skills verification
Testing Environment Requirements	Classroom equipment list required for skills portion
Exam Time Allotment	60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes
Student Accommodations	Yes STACC Examination Manual page 20 covers all accommodations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OhsV7meswD_SrMS2hO-kLTXWz4aWgzZQB1U2LRjmmBc/edit?usp=sharing
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Students must meet flight requirements. Effective SY24-25, the vendor for this credential has changed from YouScience to Scholastic Testing and Credential Certifications (STACC).

UAS Drone Management System Applications

Credential Name	UAS Drone Management System Applications
Credential Vendor Info	STACC https://staccexams.com/
Implementation Year	2026-2027
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	ID12 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Jim Pressly james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	ID12 Drone Technology II Honors
Credential as POL	ID12 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UMAS)
Cost of Instructor Training	$450.00
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Must hold certification and teacher certification
Exam Voucher Expiration	None
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1041) Aircraft Service Attendants (53-6032) Airfield Operations Specialists (53-2022) Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (53-2011) Transportation Inspectors (53-6051)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes All professional drone pilots MUST have some form of Drone Management System to track and document their work. This may be required by FAA as they inspect the pilot and/or their company for certification and compliances with regulations.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	Yes https://app.staccexams.com/STACC-Examination-Manual.pdf
Proctored Requirements	Certified Instructor
Test Site Options and Requirements	Online testing site through STACC
Testing Environment Requirements	None
Exam Time Allotment	30 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes STACC allows retakes of most of their tests but with a fee.
Student Accommodations	Yes STACC Examination Manual page 20 covers all accommodations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OhsV7meswD_SrMS2hO-kLTXWz4aWgzZQB1U2LRjmmBc/edit?usp=sharing
Multilingual Resources*	No FAA drone pilots must speak, read, and write in English as required by law.
Directory Notes	None

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.