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.


Food Safety and Science Certification

Credential NameFood Safety and Science Certification
Credential Vendor InfoCEV Multimedia, LTD
Sharon Johnson
sharon.johnson@icevonline.com
910.260.5650
https://www.icevonline.com
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementYes
Validation ArtifactCopy of Certificate
Credential Lead ConsultantGwen Turner gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleFN43 Food Science and Technology
Credential as POLFN43 POL = No
Pathway(s)^Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Food Products and Processing Systems (FPPR)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsAvailable
No formal instructor training is required. iCEV platform tutorials and guides are available on iCEV's website. Online trainings may be scheduled and the live chat feature (Monday - Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM CST).
Exam Voucher ExpirationCertification exam vouchers do not expire.
Credential LifespanLifetime
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Dietetic Technicians (29-2051)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
The certification validates fluency in culinary techniques, food safety, meat selection, and retail cut identification. Those who earn the certification are more qualified and prepared to enter a variety of careers, specifically those that involve the selection and preparation of meat. Additionally, the certification allows employers to identify and connect with more skilled candidates, filling gaps in the labor market and jump-starting individuals' careers.
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsWhile not required, for optimum performance, it is recommended to initiate the exam on machines equipped with the latest Chrome browser and a hard-wired connection (i.e., desktop computers).
Testing Environment RequirementsThe exam must be administered in a proctored environment. Proctoring guidelines for in-person and virtual environments can be viewed here:
https://www.icevonline.com/proctoring-guidelines
Proctored RequirementsIt is left to the discretion of the school district who will proctor the final certification exam.

It is the responsibility of the proctor to ensure all certification candidates follow the certification exam rules and guidelines.

Detailed proctoring guidelines for in-person and virtual environments can be viewed here: https://www.icevonline.com/proctoring-guidelines
Exam Time AllotmentThe final certification exam is not timed; however, the system will time-out after one hour of inactivity.
Exam Passing RequirementEach question is worth one point, and the individual must earn 70% or greater to be recognized as certified.
RetakesYes
The certification candidate may retake the final certification exam. Retaking the exam requires purchasing an additional voucher.
Student AccommodationsYes
Accommodations and modifications are the responsibility of the district based on DPI requirements. iCEV accommodations include multiple test sessions: exams consist of 100 questions and will be split into four 25-question segments. If this accommodation is needed, a form needs to be submitted 48-hours before the scheduled exam.
More information about accommodation options and the request form can be found here: https://www.icevonline.com/accommodations
Multilingual Resources*Yes
For English Language Learners (ELLs), bilingual and/or English dictionaries can be provided by the district.
Directory NotesiCEV offers online comprehensive preparatory materials that prepare individuals for success on the certification exam; however, it is not required to use these materials. This preparatory content includes knowledge checks after each lesson, as well as a final review. A comprehensive study guide detailing the concepts covered within each industry standard is available for those who choose not to use the optional preparatory materials or who choose to use them in a supplementary way.


Pre-Professional Certification in Food Science Fundamentals

Credential NamePre-Professional Certification in Food Science Fundamentals
Credential Vendor InfoAmerican Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
Helen Fuqua
Associate Director - Credentialing Programs
pre-pac@aafcs.org
703.636.7641
https://www.aafcs.org/credentialing-center/pre-pac
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementYes
Validation ArtifactCopy of Certificate OR Score List Report
Credential Lead ConsultantGwen Turner gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleFN43 Food Science and Technology
Credential as POLFN43 POL = No
Pathway(s)^Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Food Products and Processing Systems (FPPR)
Cost of Instructor Training$0.00
Instructor Training RequirementsRequired
https://www.aafcs.org/prepac-management/procedures/instructions
Exam Voucher ExpirationJune 30 of the testing year
https://www.aafcs.org/prepac-management/purchase
Credential Lifespan3 years
Renewal OptionsYes
Retest required.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Dietetic Technicians (29-2051)
ArticulationVisit this website for the current list of Post-Secondary Articulations for all PrePAC exams.
https://www.aafcs.org/credentialing-center/pre-pac/pre-pac-testimonials
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityNo
Delivery FormatOn-line
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsTest sites are defined by the structure or level of testing and data reporting needed by the site. It is not defined by the actual physical test location. Must meet qualifications and agree to stipulations outlined on site, see:
https://www.aafcs.org/prepac-management/procedures/application
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsPerson who administers test must be test site employees. Teachers of record MAY NOT serve as the sole proctor, see:
https://www.aafcs.org/prepac-management/procedures/instructions
Exam Time AllotmentNot timed
Exam Passing RequirementThe national cut-score for pre-professional certification eligibility is established annually by AAFCS, is posted to this website by August 1 of each year, and remains in effect until June 30 of the following academic year, see:
https://www.aafcs.org/credentialing/center/pre-pac/scoring
RetakesYes
School can purchase a test/retest package where participants can get two attempts. Schools can still purchase extra retakes if package was not purchased.
Student AccommodationsYes
https://www.aafcs.org/prepac-management/procedures/accommodations
Multilingual Resources*Yes
See Student Accommodations link. Test is not translated into other languages, but with proper documentation a translator may read the test to the student, following the guidelines of the proctor.
Directory NotesTeacher can pull a Score List Report (Certification Status Template) from Pre-PAC Management System. Students also receive a certificate indicating they earned the certification. Each test site has log in credentials to access the Pre-PAC Data Reporting System OR student certificate. Pre-PAC test sites must seek AAFCS approval each testing year.