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.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)

Credential Name	Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)
Credential Vendor Info	Youth for the Quality Care of Animals https://www.yqcaprogram.org
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AA21 = Yes AL11 = Yes AL12 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of student certificate or digital roster from the YQCA platform
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Code and Title	AA21 Animal Science I AL11 Agricultural Production I (LCO) AL12 Agricultural Production II (LCO)
Credential as POL	AA21 POL = No AL11 POL = No AL12 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Agricultural Production (AGPR)^ Animal Science (ANSC) Equine Science (EQSC)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Teacher must be certified through the YQCA platform.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A Exam vouchers do not expire.
Credential Lifespan	1 year
Renewal Options	Yes Student must retake the course and exam to renew.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Agricultural Equipment Operators (45-2091) Agricultural Technicians (19-4012) Animal Scientists (19-1011) Biological Technicians (19-4021) Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3041) Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers (11-9013) First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011) Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines (49-3042) Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics (49-3053) Slaughterers and Meat Packers (51-3023) Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (19-1023)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online and Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	School or on-line
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	80% or higher
Retakes	Yes Two attempts
Student Accommodations	Yes Participant must work with the instructor for their needs.
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	The 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

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.