2024-2025 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.


Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Credential NameCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Credential Vendor InfoNCDPS
Samantha Royster
samantha.royster@ncdps.gov
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementIP12 = Yes
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantDavid Barbour
david.barbour@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleIP12 Public Safety II
Credential as POLIP12 POL = Yes     Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) AND National Basic 9-1-1 Dispatch Certification. MUST PASS BOTH.
Pathway(s)Public Safety (PSPW)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
Must be CERT certified and CERT Teacher certified. Teacher certification training is currently available through an online course.
https://cert.hazready.com/CourseCatalog?friendlyId=DP000072
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Fire Inspectors and Investigators (33-2021)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers (33-1011)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
This certification is a general certification that provides the students with a foundation in the field of Emergency Management allowing them to lead CERT teams. Having this certification is recognized but will not lead directly to a job by itself.
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatPaper/pencil and Performance-based
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsThe certified instructor gives a written test from the CERT Participant Manual. Answer key in the CERT Instructor Manual:
https://www.cert-la.com/downloads/manuals/CERT_PM_Unit9_Jan2011.pdf
Testing Environment RequirementsClassroom equipment list is required for skills portion. Please refer to the Equipment Guide in NCCTE admin for specifics.
Proctored RequirementsCertified Instructor
Exam Time Allotment2 hours (with written test being less than 30 minutes)
Exam Passing Requirement75% or above
RetakesNo
Student AccommodationsYes
https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/equal-rights/accommodation
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesTeachers are certified to teach through NCDPS. Once the student has completed all CERT requirements, the teacher submits their name to NCDPS samantha.royster@ncdps.gov to receive an official CERT certificate.