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.

Certified Forest Worker

Credential Name	Certified Forest Worker
Credential Vendor Info	ForestryWorks of North Carolina North Carolina Forestry Association 1600 Glenwood Ave., Suite 1 \| Raleigh, NC 27608 919-834-3943 ext. 3 https://forestryworks.com/north-carolina/high-school-forest-worker-certificate-program
Implementation Year	2024-2025
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AN53 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Code and Title	AN53 Natural Resources II - Forestry Honors
Credential as POL	AN53 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Natural Resources (NARE)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Teachers are required to complete a professional development training offered through the North Carolina Forestry Association, North Carolina ForestryWorks in conjunction with Agriculture Education summer workshops, CTE summer conference, and additional standalone offerings as needed.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Conservation Scientists (19-1031) First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011) Forest and Conservation Technicians (19-4071) Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists (33-2022) Recreation Workers (39-9032) Soil and Plant Scientists (19-1013) 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	Online
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Teachers completing professional development training for the credential are certified to teach the course and credential; these teachers will proctor the exam. A conditional certificate will be offered for teachers who are not fully certified.
Test Site Options and Requirements	Online, onsite at school
Testing Environment Requirements	Computers with Internet access
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes Two times after a 24-hour lockout period Additional opportunities will be available through remediation of the course.
Student Accommodations	Yes When a teacher requests the exam, they can request and explain any needed accommodations (e.g., additional time, reader, translator, etc.).
Multilingual Resources*	Yes Spanish
Directory Notes	Teachers submit a request to the North Carolina Forestry Association 7-10 days prior to exam certification. Students have 3 weeks to complete exam once testing window is opened.

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.