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.

National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification

Credential Name	National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification
Credential Vendor Info	National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) https://www.extension.psu.edu/national-safe-tractor-and-machinery-operation-program
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AL21 = Yes AS32 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Formal USDOL certificate with NSTMOP certification number
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Code and Title	AL21 Christmas Tree Production I (LCO) AS32 Agricultural Mechanics II Honors
Credential as POL	AL21 POL = No AS32 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Power, Structural, and Technical Systems (PSTE) Natural Resources (NARE)
Cost of Instructor Training	$39.00
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Teacher must be a certified NSTMOP Instructor.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Agricultural Equipment Operators (45-2091) Conservation Scientists (19-1031) Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3041) 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) Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) Maintenance and Repair Workers, General (49-9071) Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics (49-3053) 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	Paper/pencil and Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	In-person (written exam and performance)
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	1 hour
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	Yes
Student Accommodations	No
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Students age 14 or older can obtain this credential. To get a list of instructors in our state, send a request to nstmop@psu.edu. Course registration: https://extension.psu.edu/national-safe-tractor-and-machinery-operation-program-nstmop-instructor-training

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.