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.

Woodwork Career Alliance Core

Credential Name	Woodwork Career Alliance Core
Credential Vendor Info	Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) 7047 Lincolnshire Rd. \| Lincoln, NE 68506 snelsonwca@gmail.com 402.610.6043 https://www.woodworkcareer.org
Implementation Year	2026-2027
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IL15 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	LCO
Course Code and Title	IL15 Furniture Making III (LCO)
Credential as POL	IL15 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	Woodworking (WOWO)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A Instructor will have been trained in Woodworking II where WCA Sawblade is the required POL.
Instructor Training Requirements	Required WCA has evaluator training that the teacher must complete before administering the credential.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters (51-7011) Carpenters (47-2031) Construction Managers (11-9021) First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers (47-1011) First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online and Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	Yes Credential to be administrated by approved EDU Membership Evaluator.
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	EDU Membership
Testing Environment Requirements	None
Exam Time Allotment	120 hours
Exam Passing Requirement	120 Hours, 20 skill points. Pass the Layout and Measurement prerequisites, complete Sawblade Certification (includes online test), then test the 5 additional tool operations. Skills assessment with rubric. Results entered in WCA Registry.
Retakes	Yes
Student Accommodations	No
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.