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.


Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)

Credential NameYouth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)
Credential Vendor InfoYouth for the Quality Care of Animals
https://www.yqcaprogram.org
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementAA21 = Yes
AL11 = Yes
AL12 = Yes
Validation ArtifactCopy of student certificate or digital roster from the YQCA platform
Credential Lead ConsultantJosh Bledsoe
jbbledso@ncsu.edu
Course Number and TitleAA21 Animal Science I
AL11 Agricultural Production I (LCO)
AL12 Agricultural Production II (LCO)
Credential as POLAA21 POL = No
AL11 POL = No
AL12 POL = No
Pathway(s)Agricultural Production (AGPR)^
Animal Science (ANSC)
Cost of Instructor Training$0.00
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
Teacher must be certified through the YQCA platform.
Exam Voucher Expiration1 year
Credential Lifespan1 year
Renewal OptionsYes
Student must retake the course and exam to renew.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Animal Breeders (45-2021)
Animal Trainers (39-2011)
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers (11-9013)
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (31-9096)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-line and Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment RequiredNo
Test Site Options and RequirementsSchool or on-line
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsN/A
Exam Time Allotment60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement80% or higher
RetakesYes
Two attempts
Student AccommodationsYes
Participant must work with the instructor for their needs.
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesThe YQCA Credential Artifact Help Guide provides guidance for using a roster to document student certification of this credential.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OTIZ0eHyYpnKNJo17V1txHFHlxxwB3sO/view