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.


AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Thermal Cutting Process

Credential NameAWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Thermal Cutting Process
Credential Vendor InfoAmerican Welding Society (AWS) SENSE
sense@aws.org
800.443.9353 or 305.443.9353 ext. 225
https://www.senseonline.org
When emailing, include first and last name, organization's name, and whether a student or an instructor is inquiring.
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementIM61 = Yes
Validation ArtifactAWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Thermal Cutting Process Reporting and Accountability Verification Form
Credential Lead ConsultantJim Pressly
james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleIM61 Welding Technology I
Credential as POLIM61 POL = No
Pathway(s)Welding (WELD)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsAvailable
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential Lifespan1.3.2.1 Continuation of Full Completers in the AWS SENSE certificate database. AWS QC10, Clause 11, indicates an individual with full completion as a Level 1-Entry Welder status shall remain in the AWS SENSE certificate database for three (3) years, after which time a permanent record shall be archived.

https://www.senseonline.org/pluginfile.php/198640/mod_folder/content/0/EG20-2017_FinalPrint.pdf?forcedownload=1
Renewal OptionsN/A
No renewal
https://www.senseonline.org/local/staticpage/view.php?page=program-faqs
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)
ArticulationNo
SequencingYes
AWS SENSE has Level I and Level II. It then would go to Certified Welder.
Employer TransferabilityYes
The credential stays with the employee.
Delivery FormatOn-line and Performance-based
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsThe SENSE Program requires a one-time registration fee to be accompanied with the registration form. The SENSE registration fee varies depending on the level of implementation. There is no registration renewal fee. The student administrative fee for each level is paid through the school. Each SENSE participating location and campus must be registered and paid for separately.

https://www.senseonline.org/local/staticpage/view.php?page=aboutsense-become
Testing Environment RequirementsN/A
Proctored RequirementsAn individual employed by a SENSE Training Organization who is not engaged in the active training of trainees and who is responsible for administering all knowledge-based SENSE assessments.

AWS SENSE Application, page 4: https://s3.amazonaws.com/docs.senseonline.org/SENSE-Application_202108.pdf
Exam Time AllotmentVaries. Student takes knowledge and performance assessments througout the semester.
Exam Passing Requirement100% on safety module and 75% on other modules, plus pass performance test
RetakesYes
6.1.6 Trainees shall be allowed up to three (3) attempts to pass a knowledge exam.
If a trainee fails to achieve a passing grade after three (3) attempts, they shall be retrained in that area. (AWS QC10:2017, page 5)
Student AccommodationsYes
The SENSE Program allows instructors to extend all exams by the number of hours as prescribed in an IEP or 504 plan for each student.
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesFor workmanship samples and Performance Qualifications Tests, the instructor is allowed to be the inspector. For knowledge-based assessments an Assessment Coordinator is required.
https://www.senseonline.org