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 Beef Quality Assurance

Credential Name	North Carolina Beef Quality Assurance
Credential Vendor Info	NC Cattleman's Association Bryan Blinson 919.552.9111 https://www.nccattle.com
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AA22 = Yes AL11 = Yes AL12 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Code and Title	AA22 Animal Science II - Food Animal Honors AL11 Agricultural Production I (LCO) AL12 Agricultural Production II (LCO)
Credential as POL	AA22 POL = No AL11 POL = No AL12 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Animal Science (ANSC) Agricultural Production (AGPR)^
Cost of Instructor Training	$25.00 Varies depending on agency offering training. Typical cost is $25.00 if offered by NC Extension.
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Teacher must be certified through NC Cattlemen's Association.
Exam Voucher Expiration	Payment is submitted along with completion of exam to receive pocket card as proof of credential.
Credential Lifespan	1 year
Renewal Options	N/A Student must retake the course 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	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	School with access to live cattle
Testing Environment Requirements	Access to live cattle
Exam Time Allotment	45 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes Must retake course to retake exam
Student Accommodations	Yes Student must work with teacher to use accommodations.
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	None

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.