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.

North Carolina State Competency Exam

Credential Name	North Carolina State Competency Exam
Credential Vendor Info	Briggs and Stratton 414.259.5291 or 1.800.934.7730 https://www.thepowerportal.com/Login.htm
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AS33 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Code and Title	AS33 Agricultural Mechanics II - Small Engines Honors
Credential as POL	AS33 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Power, Structural, and Technical Systems (PSTE)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Instructor must register via Power Portal: https://www.thepowerportal.com/register.htm
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Agricultural Equipment Operators (45-2091) Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3041) Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) Maintenance and Repair Workers, General (49-9071) Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics (49-3053)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	On-line via student login
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	60 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	77% or above
Retakes	Yes Three (3) attempts after 24-hour lockout
Student Accommodations	No
Multilingual Resources*	Yes
Directory Notes	Students are not expected to pass the Master Service Technician Exams; only the North Carolina Competency Exam. This exam is available once students are registered and linked to their instructor through the Briggs & Stratton Power Portal platform.

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.