NC Workforce Credentials Application is now open! The application must be completed online. Applicants may wish to view a PDF of the application prior to working on the submittal. New this year is a template to ensure that employer letters include the information necessary for review. This template is available as a PDF or a WORD document.
With an increasing demand for employees in frontline careers essential to North Carolina's future, take advantage of a wide variety of affordable training to earn certifications and credentials that can help you advance in a career and open up greater opportunities in your field, faster.
Industry-Valued Credentials can be earned quickly, and sometimes alongside other education programs.
Kick-start or up-skill your career with industry-valued credentials and practical, hands-on programs that will give you the skills you need to be ready in weeks, not years. Earn credentials for high-demand industries through in-person and online training programs available through our state's career & technical education programs in high schools and our 58 Community Colleges.
$3k | 2/3 | 2X | ||
| Earning a non-degree credential typically boosts yearly income by at least $3k and sometimes much more1 | More than 2/3 of workers with non-degree credentials report very high job satisfaction2 | Jobs in NC requiring a post-secondary non-degree credential are projected to grow twice as fast as those that only require a HS diploma |
[1]Source: Association of Community College Trustees, The Value of Community College Short-Term Credentials
[2]Source: Strada Center for Education Consumer Insights
Find Your Path on NCcareers.org
Helping North Carolinians get the jobs they want and the salaries they need.
NC Workforce Credentials is a partnership of the NC Office of the Governor, NC Community College System, NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Department of Commerce, NC Association of Workforce Development Boards, and myFutureNC to identify high-demand competencies and the valued non-degree credentials that put learners on a pathway to sustaining wage jobs.
In support of the state’s postsecondary educational attainment goal of ensuring that by 2030, two million North Carolinians between the ages of 25-44 have a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree, the collaboration has developed policies and procedures that support access to skills training aligned with the identified credentials.
We’re here to serve as your community partner.
As our economy grows, the vast majority of new jobs require more than a high school diploma. Finding qualified talent – especially the skilled technicians and technologists who are trained on the equipment specific to your industry and sector is what attracted you to do business in North Carolina.
NC Workforce Credentials can help streamline the hiring process, creating a greater pipeline of ready talent.
The NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council comprises 21 members representing employers, state agencies, and educators from across the state. This Council identifies and elevates priority non-degree credentials that are:
High Value
- Demand
- Wages
Types of Credentials
- Industry developed
- State licenses
- Workforce defined
- Apprenticeships
Credential Role:
- Essential Credentials put learners on a pathway to a sustainable wage career, such as a vet tech, nurse aide I, pharmacy technician, or construction labor.
- Career Credentials support sustainable wage careers such as a commercial driver’s license, law enforcement, line worker, or HVAC Technician.
Contact Us for more information.
The NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council identifies priority non-degree credentials that are valued by employers and puts those who earn them on a path to a sustainable wage career. There are four categories of credentials: Foundational, Essential, Career and Advanced. Note that the lists for Essential and Career are separate from the lists for Foundational and Advanced. A PDF Version of this list can be viewed by clicking here.
This list will be augmented as NC Workforce Credentials reviews additional career areas. To learn how to submit a non-degree credential for consideration for inclusion to the list, go to the FAQ.
Lists reflects updates as of 12/31/2023
List of Essential & Career Credentials
An Essential Credential provides skills highly valued by employers that are tied directly to occupations that offer family sustaining wages or a pathway to career growth.
A Career Credential provides skills highly valued by employers that are tied directly to occupations that offer a family sustaining wages, with a wage boost.
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Canine Care and Training Program (CCTP) | Essential | Continental Kennel Club |
Certified Horsemanship | Essential | Certified Horsemanship Association |
Equine Management and Evaluation Certification | Essential | Elanco |
Small Engine Repair | Essential | Briggs and Stratton- lawn mowers |
NC Pesticide Applicator | Essential | NCDA&CS |
Pesticide Applicator, Ornamental & Turf Pest Control | Essential | NCDA&CS |
Certified Veterinary Assistant | Career | Texas Veterinary Medical Association |
Wastewater Operator Certification Level I, II, III, IV | Career | NC Department of Environmental Quality |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Blacksmith (Steel Worker) | Essential | ABANA - Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America |
AWS SENSE - Thermal Cutting Process | Essential | American Welding Society (AWS) |
AWS SENSE- Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) | Essential | American Welding Society (AWS) |
AWS SENSE- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) | Essential | American Welding Society (AWS) |
AWS SENSE- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) | Essential | American Welding Society (AWS) |
Section 608 Technician Certification | Essential | State Board of Refrigeration Contractors |
ESCO Employment Ready: Duct and Envelope Testing | Essential | ESCO Group |
ESCO Employment Ready: Air Conditioning | Essential | ESCO Group |
ESCO Employment Ready: Heat Pump | Essential | ESCO Group |
ESCO Employment Ready: HVAC Electrical | Essential | ESCO Group |
ESCO Employment Ready: Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures | Essential | ESCO Group |
Universal R-410a Certification | Essential | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) | Essential | Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) |
Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) | Essential | SolidWorks |
Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation (FSPV) | Essential | NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NC State University |
Apprenticeship - Carpentry | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - HVAC Construction | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Plumbing | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Welding | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Cabinet Maker | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
NCCER Concrete Finisher | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
NCCER Carpentry Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
NCCER Electrical Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
NCCER HVAC Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
NCCER Masonry Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
NCCER Plumbing Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
AWS Certified Welder | Career | American Welding Society |
NCCER Welding Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
WCA Sawblade Certificate | Career | Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) |
Autodesk Certified Professional Inventor | Career | Autodesk or Certiport |
Autodesk Certified Professional Revit | Career | Autodesk or Certiport |
Autodesk Certified User AutoCAD | Career | Autodesk or Certiport |
Autodesk Certified User Inventor | Career | Autodesk or Certiport |
Autodesk Certified User Revit | Career | Autodesk or Certiport |
Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician | Career | American National Standards Institute |
Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) | Career | Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) |
Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) | Career | SolidWorks |
Electrical Lineworker | Career | Carolinas Energy Workforce Consortium |
Professional Land Surveyor | Career | NC Society of Surveyors |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Adobe Certified Professional | Career | Adobe Systems |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Microsoft Office Specialist 2016 or above Access | Essential | Microsoft |
Microsoft Office Specialist 2016 or above Excel Core | Essential | Microsoft |
Microsoft Office Specialist 2016 or above Excel Expert | Essential | Microsoft |
Intuit QuickBooks Certified User | Essential | Certiport/Peason Vue |
HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) | Career | HR Certification Institute |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Child Development Associate | Essential | Council for Professional Recognition |
NC: Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) Equivalency | Essential | NC Division of Child Development |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Bookkeeper | Essential | American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers |
NC: Casualty Agent | Career | NC Department of Insurance |
NC: Health Insurance Agent | Career | NC Department of Insurance |
NC: Life Insurance Agent | Career | NC Department of Insurance |
NC: Property Agent | Career | NC Department of Insurance |
NC Insurance Adjuster's License | Career | NC Department of Insurance |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Surgical Technologist | Essential | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting |
NHA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) | Essential | National Healthcareer Association |
NC: Pharmacy Technician Certification | Essential | NC Pharmacy Technician Certification Board |
AAPC Certified Professional Coder CPC® | Essential | American Academy of Professional Coders |
NHA Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) | Essential | National Healthcareer Association |
Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician | Essential | American Academy of Professional Coders |
NHA Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) | Essential | National Healthcareer Association |
NC: Nurse Aide I & II | Essential | N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation |
ASPT Patient Care Technician | Essential | American Society of Phlebotomy Technician |
Community Health Worker | Essential | NC Community Health Worker Certification and Accreditation Board (NC Department of Health Service Regulation) |
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant | Essential | National Healthcareer Association |
Phlebotomy Technician | Essential | National Healthcareer Association |
Certified EKG Technician | Career | National Healthcareer Association |
AHiMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA®) | Career | American Health Information Management Association |
NAHAM Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) | Career | National Association of Healthcare Access Management |
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) | Career | Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) |
Certified Registered Central Service Technician | Career | International Association of Healthcare Central Service Mat |
ARRT Mammography | Career | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists |
Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist | Career | NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy |
CCI Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) | Career | Cardiovascular Credentialing International |
AHDI Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) | Career | Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity |
AMT Medical Assistant (RMA) | Career | American Medical Technologists |
Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician | Career | Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) | Essential | American National Standards Institute (ANSI) |
Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) | Essential | American Culinary Federation |
Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP) | Essential | American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute |
ServSafe Food Manager | Essential | National Restaurant Association |
ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (COA) | Career | National Restaurant Association Education Foundation(NRAEF) |
Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) | Career | American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Cosmetologist | Essential | NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners |
NC: Registered Barber | Essential | NC Board of Barber Examiners |
Nail Technician | Essential | NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners |
Natural Hair Care Specialist | Essential | NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners |
Esthetician | Essential | NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Ethical Hacker | Essential | E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) |
Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate | Essential | Cisco Systems, Inc. |
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Essential | Cisco Systems, Inc. |
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) | Essential | Cisco Systems, Inc. |
CompTIA CySA+ | Essential | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA Linux+ | Essential | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA Project+ | Essential | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
Linux Essentials | Essential | Linux Professional Institute (LPI) |
ICCP Certified Computing Professional (CCP) | Career | Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals |
IEEE Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) | Career | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
CompTIA A+ | Career | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA IT Fundamentals | Career | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA Network + | Career | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA Security + | Career | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
NI Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) | Career | NI - National Instruments |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | Essential | NC Office of Emergency Medical Services |
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) | Essential | NC Office of Emergency Medical Services |
National Incident Management System | Essential | FEMA - Emergency Management Institute |
NC: Emergency Management Certification I & II | Essential | NC Division of Emergency Management |
NECI: Basic 911 Communication Certification | Essential | National Emergency Communications Institute |
NC: Sheriffs’ Telecommunicator Certification | Essential | NC Department of Justice |
Paralegal Certification | Career | NC State Bar |
NC: Basic Law Enforcement Certification | Career | NC Department of Justice |
NC: Sheriffs’ Detention Officer Certification | Career | NC Department of Justice |
Fire Fighter I & II | Career | NC Department of Insurance OSFM |
Paramedic | Career | NC Office of Emergency Medical Services |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
BioWork | Essential | NCBioNetwork |
Aerospace Manufacturing and Repair Technician | Essential | Workforge |
ETA Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) | Essential | Electronics Technician Association |
NIMS Machining Level I -Measurement, Materials, and Safety Certifications | Essential | National Institute for Metalworking Skills |
NIMS Maintenance Operations | Essential | National Institute for Metalworking Skills |
NIMS Job Planning, Benchmark, and Layout | Essential | National Institute for Metalworking Skills |
NIMS Milling I | Essential | National Institute for Metalworking Skills |
ASNT Ultrasonic Testing Level I/II | Essential | The American Society for Nondestructive Testing |
Apprenticeship - Maintenance Mechanic | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Certified Production Technician 4.0 (CPT 4.0) | Career | Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) |
NC Furniture Academy | Career | NC Furniture Academy |
MSI Manufacturing Technician Level I (MT1) | Career | Manufacturing Skills Institute |
PMMI Mechatronics - Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) I | Career | Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies |
PMMI Mechatronics - Industrial Electricity I | Career | Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies |
ASNT Electromagnetic Testing Level I/II | Career | The American Society for Nondestructive Testing |
ASNT Liquid Penetrant Level I/II | Career | The American Society for Nondestructive Testing |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
NC: Real Estate License | Career | NC Real Estate Commission |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
RISE Up Business of Retail: Operations & Profit Certification | Essential | National Retail Federation |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Logistics Technician | Essential | Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) |
Escort Vehicle Operator | Essential | NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) | Essential | Federal Aviation Administration |
ICAR Non-Structural Technician ProLevel I | Essential | Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair |
NC Dealer License | Essential | NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
ICAR Refinish Technician ProLevel I | Essential | Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair |
EETC Principles of Small Engine Technology Certification | Essential | Equipment & Engine Training Council |
USI Visual Line of Sight System Operations (VSO) | Essential | Unmanned Safety Institute |
Aircraft Electronics Technician | Career | Aircraft Electronics Association |
ASE - Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (Test G1) | Career | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
ASE - Entry-Level Certification: Automobile | Career | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
ASE - Entry-Level Certification: Collision Repair & Refinish | Career | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
NC: Commercial Driver License (CDL) | Career | NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
EETC Technician Certification | Career | Equipment & Engine Training Council |
FAA Mechanic Certificate | Career | Federal Aviation Administration |
List of Foundational Credentials
A Foundational Credential provides standard or baseline skillsets valued by employers, but not tied directly to occupations that lead to a family sustaining wage.
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) Food Safety & Science Certification | Foundational | The American Meat Science Association |
The Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification | Foundational | Elanco |
The Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification | Foundational | Elanco |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Front Desk Representative (CFDR) | Foundational | American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute |
RISE Up Retail Industry Fundamentals Certificate | Foundational | National Retail Federation |
ServSafe Food Handler | Foundational | National Restaurant Association |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
RISE Up Customer Service & Sales Certification | Foundational | National Retail Federation |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
ACMA Certified Composite Technician | Foundational | ACMA American Composites Manufacturing Association |
BCCC Industrial Sewing & Upholstery Academy | Foundational | Beaufort County Community College |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
RISE Up Warehouse, Inventory, and Logistics Certification | Foundational | National Retail Federation |
List of Advanced Credentials
An Advanced Credential facilitates career development for workers who are already working in occupations that offer family sustaining wages and are looking to continue to grow their career. This credential is primarily associated with a job that also requires a degree.
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Renewable Energy Project Development (REPD) | Advanced | NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NC State University |
We need your help to refine the list of NC Workforce Credentials
The NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council is a partnership between education, workforce development, and employers to provide a source of high-quality, real-time information on business needs and the non-degree credentials they value.
What type of credentials should be submitted for consideration to be added to the NC Workforce Credential List?
- It’s a non-degree credential (e.g., certificate, industry-recognized certification, license) that is below the Associate’s level.
- The credential is associated with in-demand occupations, either statewide or regionally.
- Employers value the credential, meaning they give a hiring preference to anyone who holds the credential.
What is the difference between a credential and a program?
A credential indicates documented mastery of a set of defined skills and competencies. Completion of a series of connected courses is not itself a credential; success in a cumulative assessment is required.
When can I submit a credential for consideration?
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and considered by the NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council during its quarterly meeting. Decisions will be shared after each quarterly meeting.
Where can I find the application materials and where will I submit?
The NC Workforce Credentials application must be completed online and is accessible here. Applicants may wish to view a PDF version of the application to ensure they have all documents necessary prior to starting the online application. Here's a template for required letters of support. This template is accessible via PDF or WORD Document.
Who is eligible to submit a credential for consideration?
The only eligible entities that may submit a non-degree credential for consideration are North Carolina Community Colleges, NC Workforce Development Boards, CTE Directors at a NC Public School Unit (I.e., a school district), NC Non-profit 4-year College or University and an Industry Partnership (comprised of at least 3 employers).
If you are not one of these entities but have a credential you would like considered, we encourage you to contact an entity that is eligible to submit to discuss with them the credential you believe may be a good addition to the NC Workforce Credentials List.
What happens after a credential is submitted for consideration?
There is an Initial review for completeness. If the application is incomplete, the submitter will be notified and given the opportunity to add the missing information. Complete applications are reviewed by a credential review committee comprising representatives from the NC Department of Commerce’s Labor & Economic Analysis Division, the NC Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the NC Community College System, and the Department of Public Instruction. The committee makes a recommendation to the NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council for consideration and endorsement at its next quarterly meeting. Once endorsed by the Council, the credential is added as an NC Workforce Credential.
What is the timing for applications to be considered?
Applications must be submitted 6 weeks prior to a scheduled Advisory Council meeting to ensure that there is sufficient time for review prior to consideration by the Council. Applications submitted after that window will be slated for review at the next Advisory Council meeting. If you'd like to know the next quarterly closing date, please feel free to reach out to ncworkforcecredentials@myfuturenc.org.
Can I submit a credential that is still in the process of being created?
No. For a credential to be considered for the NC Workforce Credentials List it must be current and accessible for people to pursue.
What’s the role of employers in the credential submission application?
The application will ask for evidence that employers have been engaged in the process, including:
- Letters from either three employers or a combination of one employer and one trade association will need to be submitted as part of the application using the required template as a PDF or a WORD Document.
- Sample job titles and wage information for those who have the credential
- Indication of the extent to which the credential is used as a hiring preference
Once my credential is approved, will I have to submit it every year to keep it on the credential list?
No. Credentials will be automatically reviewed biannually according to their industry sector. For example, the manufacturing sector was reviewed in 2021; therefore, all the manufacturing related credentials will be automatically reviewed in the 2023 cycle.
If my credential is denied, is there an appeals process?
No. If a credential is denied, the denial letter will include the reasons. Credentials may be resubmitted for consideration.
Contact Us if you have questions or need assistance with the submission process.
NC Workforce Credentials is a partnership of the NC Office of the Governor, NC Community College System, NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Department of Commerce, NC Association of Workforce Development Boards, and myFutureNC.
NC Workforce Credentials Partners
Thanks in part to the generous donation and partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation and for their strong support of education and training in North Carolina.
We appreciate their on-going efforts and commitment to revitalize the workforce system and enable it to meet the complex needs of today’s workers and employers.
NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council Members
| Name | Title | Name of Organization / Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Bowers | Director, Career and Technical Education | Alamance Burlington Schools |
| Elizabeth Brodie | SVP, Global Talent Acquisition | Bank of America |
| Stacy Gerard | VP, Workforce and Continuing Education | Beaufort County Community College |
| Margaret Roberton | VP, Workforce and Continuing Education | Central Carolina Community College |
| Susan Fleetwood | Executive Director, Economic Development | NC Department of Commerce |
| Jeff Toner | President | James Tool Machine & Engineering |
| Nathan Ramsey | Director | Mountain Area Workforce Development Board |
| Caroline Sullivan | Executive Director | NCBCE, Office of the Governor |
| Cecilia Holden | President & CEO | myFutureNC |
| Jill Forcina | Assoc. Director, CPD, IPE & Nursing | NC Area Health Education Centers Program |
| Debra Derr | Director, Government Affairs | NC Chamber of Commerce |
| Andrew Gardner | AVP, Workforce & Continuing Education | NC Community College System |
| Meihui Bodane | Assistant Secretary, Policy, Research & Strategy | NC Department of Commerce |
| Trey Michael | Director, Career and Technical Education | NC Department of Public Instruction |
| Phillip Cooper | Representative | NC Society of Human Resources Management |
| Andrea Fleming | Director, Talent + Workforce | NC Tech Association |
| Annie Izod | Executive Director | NC Workforce Commission |
| Wendy Walker–Fox | Workforce Development Director | Piedmont Triad Workforce Development Board |
| Brian Davis | Director, Career Readiness | Union County Public Schools |
| William Cockerham | President & CEO | W.C. Construction Company, LLC |
Contact Us for more information.