Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Credential Name	ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (COA)
Credential Vendor Info	North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association 222 N. Person Street, Suite 210 \| Raleigh, NC 27601 info@ncrla.org 919.844.0098 https://www.ncrla.org/
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	FH13 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Teacher Log OR Transcript from ProStart registry system
Credential Lead Consultant	Gwen Turner gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and Title	FH13 Culinary Arts and Hospitality III
Credential as POL	FH13 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Culinary Arts Applications (CULA) Culinary Arts Internship (CULI)
Cost of Instructor Training	$309.00 ProStart instructor training is specified by the North Carolina Restaurant Association. For the Foundation curriculum, the Teacher Resource package is $309.00 per level.
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Instructors must register and take a survey every year.
Exam Voucher Expiration	None
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Chefs and Head Cooks (35-1011) Food Service Managers (11-9051)
Articulation	Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4
Sequencing	Yes The Certificate of Achievement requires a Level 1 and Level 2 exam as well as 400 work hours. The Level 1 exam most closely aligns with the FH10 Culinary Arts and Hospitality I, FH11 Culinary Arts and Hospitality II Applications, FH12 Culinary Arts and Hospitality II Internship. The level 2 exam most closely aligns with the FH13 Culinary Arts and Hospitality III course.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	On-line and Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Test Site Options and Requirements	N/A
Testing Environment Requirements	The location is conducive to exam testing with no distractions, including having additional people within the space, all four walls of their testing room, a full view of examinee, and a close-up of their ID to confirm the identity. Ensure audio is enabled to ensure there are no third parties in the room or inappropriate distractions during the examination.
Proctored Requirements	Register on-line
Exam Time Allotment	N/A
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes With remediation
Student Accommodations	Yes Determined by instructor
Multilingual Resources*	Yes Spanish versions available
Directory Notes	Students who have completed the requirements of the ProStart program are awarded an industry-recognized certificate, the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement. To earn the certificate, students pass two national exams, demonstrate a mastery of foundational skills, and work 400 mentored hours. https://myprostart.chooserestaurants.org/Programs-and-Scholarships/Meet-ProStart/Program-Overview

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.