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.

CompTIA A+ (Core 1)

Credential Name	CompTIA A+ (Core 1)
Credential Vendor Info	CompTIA Travis Wilde Account Executive, Academic Sales twilde@comptia.org O: 385.233.5328 C: 801.787.5615 https://www.partners.comptia.org/how-to/purchase-vouchers/us-canada-academy-partners Pearson VUE Steven Reinke, Channel Sales Manager steven.reinke@pearson.com 612.412.8588 https://www.partners.comptia.org/how-to/purchase-vouchers/us-canada-academy-partners
Implementation Year	2023-2024
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	CI01 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Pearson VUE report OR student certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Brent Curran brent.curran@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	CI01 Computer Engineering Technology I Honors
Credential as POL	CI01 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Computer Engineering (COEN)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Available Suggested only
Exam Voucher Expiration	1 year
Credential Lifespan	3 years
Renewal Options	Yes Certification can be renewed by obtaining 20 CEUs with CompTIA's Continuing Education program OR Can be renewed if student obtains a higher level certification.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Computer and Information Systems Managers (11-3021) Computer Hardware Engineers (17-2061) Computer Network Architects (15-1241) Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231) Computer Programmers (15-1251) Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211) Electronics Engineers, Except Computer (17-2072) Information Security Analysts (15-1212) Software Developers (15-1252) Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers (15-1253) Statisticians (15-2041)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	Yes CompTIA A+ (Core 1) is part one of a two-part process to complete A+ Certification. Students must pass both CompTIA A+ (Core 1) and (Core 2) to earn A+ Certification.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Signed proctor agreement
Test Site Options and Requirements	https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Test-center/pearsonvue_facility_reqs.aspx
Testing Environment Requirements	https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Test-center/pearsonvue_facility_reqs.aspx Pearson VUE may require parent or guardian on site before testing begins.
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	Score at least 675 on a scale of 900 Testing through Pearson VUE. Part one of a two-part process to complete A+ certification. Students must pass both CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 in order to earn A+ certification.
Retakes	Yes Must repurchase a voucher. No waiting time between attempt one and two, then 14 days between additional attempts.
Student Accommodations	Yes https://www.pearsonvue.com/accommodations/pv_review.asp?clientName=CompTIA
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.