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 Boater Education Certificate

Credential Name	North Carolina Boater Education Certificate
Credential Vendor Info	BoatUS Foundation 147 Old Solomons Island Rd, Unit 513 \| Annapolis, MD 21401 https://boatus.org
Implementation Year	2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IK82 = Yes IL41 = Yes IL53 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	LCO
Course Code and Title	IK82 BOAT II: Building on a Tradition (LCO) IL41 Aquaculture II (LCO) IL53 Marine Occupations I (LCO)
Credential as POL	IK82 POL = No IL41 POL = No IL53 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Aquaculture (AQCU)^ Marine Construction (MACO)^ Marine Occupations (MAOC)^
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00 United States Power Squadron is a partner with BoatUSA Foundation which provides free course material and free exams to students.
Instructor Training Requirements	Required America's Boating Course and other US PowerSquadron curriculum materials PSU also supports instructor in maintaining captain's license.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Agricultural Technicians (19-4012) Biological Technicians (19-4021) Conservation Scientists (19-1031) Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door (49-9012) Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers (49-2092) Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers (11-9013) First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011) First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers (37-1012) Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines (49-3042) Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3051) Natural Sciences Managers (11-9121) Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics (49-3053) Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (19-1023)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	Instructor serves as the proctor and must have completed the BoatUS Foundation's course and exam.
Test Site Options and Requirements	N/A
Testing Environment Requirements	Reliable internet service
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes, 60 questions
Exam Passing Requirement	80% or higher
Retakes	Yes Must repeat the course before second attempt
Student Accommodations	Yes Only RA Individual student computer may be set to text-to-speech.
Multilingual Resources*	Yes Individual student computers may be set to preferred language.
Directory Notes	Must be NASBLA approved course

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.