Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

Credential Version

Starting with SY 26-27, for credentials offered through Certiport, NCDPI will only recognize the three most current versions as of August of the current school year.
These credentials are indicated by two asterisks in the Validation Artifact field of the Credential Information.

Certified Protection Officer (CPO)

Credential Name	Certified Protection Officer (CPO)
Credential Vendor Info	STACC https://staccexams.com/
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IP42 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Melissa Leeds melissa.leeds@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	IP42 Law and Justice II Honors
Credential as POL	IP42 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Law and Justice (LAWJ) Emergency Management (EMMG)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A https://lapsen.org/cpocertification/
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Must have CPO and CPOi certification
Exam Voucher Expiration	1 year
Credential Lifespan	2 years
Renewal Options	Yes Recertification information: https://ifpo.org/recertification/
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Correctional Officers and Jailers (33-3012) Detectives and Criminal Investigators (33-3021) First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers (33-1011) First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives (33-1012) Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes This certification prepares students to be successful in pursuing the IFPO National certification and is recognized by all security companies in NC as a sequential certification for unarmed security guards.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Uses a CPOi instructor
Test Site Options and Requirements	Paper Test
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes Must be at least 18 or enrolled in school and have parental consent if under 18 to take the test
Exam Passing Requirement	60% or higher
Retakes	Yes An additional fee of $85.00
Student Accommodations	Yes https://lapsen.org/student-certification/
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Must be at least 18 or enrolled in school and have parental consent if under 18 to take the test. Effective SY24-25, the vendor for this credential has changed from YouScience to Scholastic Testing and Credential Certifications (STACC).

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.

^ 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.