Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

DRAFT CMS until August 14, 2026.

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NAFTrack

Credential Name	NAFTrack
Credential Vendor Info	National Academy Foundation https://www.naf.org
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	GN97 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Felisha Davis felisha.davis@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	GN97 NAFTrack Certification
Credential as POL	GN97 POL = Yes
Pathway(s)	National Academy of Digital Technology and Computer Science (NAFT) National Academy of Financial Services (NAFF) National Academy of Healthcare and Human Services (NAFH) National Academy of Hospitality Events and Tourism (NAFO)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A Training of instructors is offered within the yearly contract.
Instructor Training Requirements	Available Offered within the yearly contract
Exam Voucher Expiration	None Once completed, students are always part of the Alumni Network.
Credential Lifespan	N/A
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Career Exploration/Awareness Skills. (N/A)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes How and when to Use CN97 NAFTrack: 1. Student must be enrolled in a NAF academy for a minimum of three years with completion of designated pathway courses. 2. Student must be in their last semester of high school and internship prior to their graduation. (Example: summer before senior year, after school during senior year, spring break of senior year.) 3. Student must have completed a NAFTrack qualifying internship including the following criteria after April 2020: a. 80 or more hours b. Internship or approved internship alternative experience as designated by NAF c. Internship assessment must be passed and documented in the NAFTrack Certification system by a direct supervisor who is not the student's teacher, parent, or guardian. 4. Student must have completed a NAFTrack approved course sequence with a passing grade of a C or better. 5. Information will be entered into NCCTE Admin by the Academy Coordinator/PSU designee by entering Met/Not Met value using the CN97 NAFTrack code to designate the credential was successfully obtained. 6. NAF will forward to NCDPI CTE a final credential report in June to use as a cross-reference of students who have obtained the NAFTrack credential. 7. NAF student transcript will designate an earned NAFTrack credential. For additional information: https://naf.org/our-approach/naftrack
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Paper/pencil
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	School that offers NAF Academy
Testing Environment Requirements	Academy has to maintain "Certified" level or higher on their yearly self-assessment. https://naf.org/start-an-academy
Exam Time Allotment	Traditional classroom seat time
Exam Passing Requirement	1 - 4 semesters of career-theme courses 2 - Successfully completing an internship that is approved by the Academy 3 - High graduation requirements met
Retakes	No
Student Accommodations	Yes Follows all time accommodations: extended time, multiple sessions, etc. Read-aloud assistance is available in online system. Printable resources available when needed.
Multilingual Resources*	Yes Spanish versions available
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.