Share Page
close

NC Workforce Credentials Logo

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.

NC Workforce Credentials Categories

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 Logo

 

View the NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council 2024-2028 Strategic Plan (approved October 1, 2024)

 

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 CommerceNC Association of Workforce Development Boards, and myFutureNC.

NC Workforce Credentials Partners

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.

Duke Energy Logo

NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council Members

NameTitleName of Organization / Employer
Robin BowersDirector, Career and Technical EducationAlamance Burlington Schools
Elizabeth BrodieSVP, Global Talent AcquisitionBank of America
Stacy Gerard VP, Workforce and Continuing EducationBeaufort County Community College
Margaret RobertonVP, Workforce and Continuing EducationCentral Carolina Community College
Susan Fleetwood Executive Director, Economic DevelopmentNC Department of Commerce
Jeff TonerPresidentJames Tool Machine & Engineering
Nathan RamseyDirectorMountain Area Workforce Development Board
Caroline Sullivan Executive DirectorNCBCE, Office of the Governor
Cecilia HoldenPresident & CEO myFutureNC
Jill ForcinaAssoc. Director, CPD, IPE & NursingNC Area Health Education Centers Program
Debra DerrDirector, Government AffairsNC Chamber of Commerce
Andrew Gardner AVP, Workforce & Continuing EducationNC Community College System
Meihui Bodane Assistant Secretary, Policy, Research & Strategy NC Department of Commerce
Trey MichaelDirector, Career and Technical EducationNC Department of Public Instruction
Phillip CooperRepresentative NC Society of Human Resources Management
Andrea Fleming Director, Talent + WorkforceNC Tech Association
Annie IzodExecutive Director NC Workforce Commission
Wendy Walker–FoxWorkforce Development DirectorPiedmont Triad Workforce Development Board
Brian Davis Director, Career ReadinessUnion County Public Schools
William Cockerham President & CEOW.C. Construction Company, LLC

 

Contact Us for more information.