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: Foundation, Essential, Career and Advanced. Note that the lists for Essential and Career are separate from the lists for Foundation and Advanced. A PDF Version of this list can be viewed by clicking here.
As of 2025, all Registered Apprenticeships are considered career level credentials, and all pre-apprenticeships are considered foundational level credentials. There are registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships available in all industry sectors listed below. To find out more about apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities in North Carolina, please visit the ApprenticeshipNC website.
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.
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 |
Certified Horsemanship | Essential | Certified Horsemanship Association |
Small Engine Repair | Essential | Briggs and Stratton- lawn mowers |
Pesticide Applicator, Ornamental & Turf Pest Control | Essential | NCDA&CS |
Wastewater Operator Certification Level I, II, III, IV | Essential | NC Department of Environmental Quality |
Apprenticeships in Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
NCCER Concrete Finisher | Essential | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
OpTIC Fiber Technician | Essential | ABANA - Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America |
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) |
Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation (FSPV) | Essential | NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NC State University |
AWS Certified Welder | Essential | American Welding Society |
Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician | Essential | American National Standards Institute |
Apprenticeships in Architecture & Construction | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Carpentry | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - HVAC Construction | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Plumbing | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Welding | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Cabinet Maker | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
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) |
NCCER Welding Level I, II, III | Career | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
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 Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) | Career | Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) |
Electrical Lineworker | Career | Carolinas Energy Workforce Consortium |
Professional Land Surveyor | Career | NC Society of Surveyors |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Apprenticeships in Arts, A/V Technology & Communications | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Adobe Certified Professional - Adobe Illustrator | Career | Adobe Systems |
Adobe Certified Professional - Adobe InDesign | Career | Adobe Systems |
Adobe Certified Professional - Adobe Photoshop | Career | Adobe Systems |
Adobe Certified Professional - Adobe Premiere Pro | Career | Adobe Systems |
Adobe Certified Professional - Adobe Animate | Career | Adobe Systems |
Adobe Certified Professional - Adobe After Effects | Career | Adobe Systems |
Adobe Certified Professional - Adobe Dreamweaver | Career | Adobe Systems |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Intuit QuickBooks Certified User | Essential | Certiport/Peason Vue |
Microsoft Office Specialist 2016 or above Excel Experts | Essential | Microsoft |
Apprenticeships in Business, Management & Administration | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
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 |
Apprenticeships in Education & Training | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Bookkeeper | Essential | American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers |
NC: Casualty Agent | Essential | NC Department of Insurance |
NC: Health Insurance Agent | Essential | NC Department of Insurance |
NC: Life Insurance Agent | Essential | NC Department of Insurance |
NC: Property Agent | Essential | NC Department of Insurance |
Apprenticeships in Finance | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
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 |
NHA Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) | Essential | National Healthcareer Association |
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 |
AHiMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) | Essential | American Health Information Management Association |
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) | Essential | The International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) |
Certified Registered Central Service technician | Essential | International Association of Healthcare Central Service Mat |
Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist | Essential | NC Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy |
ADHI Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) | Essential | Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity |
AMT Medical Assistant (RMA) | Essential | American Medical Technologists |
Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician | Essential | Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution |
Apprenticeships in Health Sciences | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Certified EKG Technician | Career | National Healthcareer Association |
ARRT Mammography | Career | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists |
CCI Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) | Career | Cardiovascular Credentialing International |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) | Essential | American Culinary Federation |
ServSafe Food Manager | Essential | National Restaurant Association |
Apprenticeships in Hospitality & Tourism | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
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 |
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 |
Apprenticeships in Human Services | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) | Essential | Cisco Systems, Inc. |
CompTIA A+ | Essential | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA IT Fundamentals | Essential | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
Apprenticeships in Information Technology | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Certified Ethical Hacker | Career | E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) |
Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate | Career | Cisco Systems, Inc. |
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Career | Cisco Systems, Inc. |
CompTIA CySA+ | Career | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA Linux+ | Career | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
CompTIA Project+ | Career | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |
Linux Essentials | Career | 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 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 |
NC: Sheriffs’ Detention Officer Certification | Essential | NC Department of Justice |
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | Essential | NC Office of Emergency Medical Services |
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) | Essential | NC Office of Emergency Medical Services |
NECI: Basic 911 Communication Certification | Essential | National Emergency Communications Institute |
NC: Sheriffs’ Telecommunicator Certification | Essential | NC Department of Justice |
Paralegal Certification | Essential | NC State Bar |
NC: Basic Law Enforcement Certification | Essential | NC Department of Justice |
Apprenticeships in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Paramedic | Career | NC Office of Emergency Medical Services |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
BioWork | Essential | NCBioNetwork |
Aerospace Manufacturing and Repair Technician | Essential | Workforge |
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 |
MSI Manufacturing Technician Level I (MT1) | Essential | Manufacturing Skills Institute |
NC Furniture Academy | Essential | NC Furniture Academy |
Apprenticeships in Manufacturing | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Apprenticeship - Maintenance Mechanic | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Certified Production Technician 4.0 (CPT 4.0) | Career | Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) |
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 |
ETA Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) | Career | Electronics Technician Association |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Apprenticeships in Marketing | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
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 |
Apprenticeships in Retail | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Logistics Technician | Essential | Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) |
FAA Remote (Drone) Pilot Certificate (Part 107) | Essential | Federal Aviation Administration |
ICAR Non-Structural Technician ProLevel I | Essential | Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair |
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 |
ASE - Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (Test G1) | Essential | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
ASE - Entry-Level Certification: Automobile | Essential | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
ASE - Entry-Level Certification: Collision Repair & Refinish | Essential | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
NC: Commercial Driver License (CDL) | Essential | NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
Apprenticeships in Transportation, Distribution & Logistics | Career | ApprenticeshipNC |
Aircraft Electronics Technician | Career | Aircraft Electronics Association |
NC Dealer License | Career | NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
FAA Mechanic Certificate | Career | Federal Aviation Administration |
List of Foundation Credentials
A Foundation 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 |
Canine Care and Training Program (CCTP) | Foundation | Continental Kennel Club |
NC Pesticide Applicator | Foundation | NCDA&CS |
Certified Veterinary Assistant | Foundation | Texas Veterinary Medical Association |
The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) Food Safety & Science Certification | Foundation | The American Meat Science Association |
The Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification | Foundation | Elanco |
The Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification | Foundation | Elanco |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
WCA Sawblade Certificate | Foundation | Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Microsoft Office Specialist 2016 or above Excel Core | Foundation | Microsoft |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
NC Nurse Aid I | Foundation | NC Division of Health Service Regulation |
NC Nurse Aid II | Foundation | NC Division of Health Service Regulation |
ASPT Patient Care Technician | Foundation | American Society of Phlebotomy Technician |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) | Foundation | American National Standards Institute (ANSI) |
Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP) | Foundation | American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute |
Front Desk Representative (CFDR) | Foundation | American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute |
RISE Up Retail Industry Fundamentals Certificate | Foundation | National Retail Federation |
ServSafe Food Handler | Foundation | National Restaurant Association |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Cosmetologist | Foundation | NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners |
RISE Up Customer Service & Sales Certification | Foundation | National Retail Federation |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Fire Fighter I & II | Foundation | NC Department of Insurance |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
ACMA Certified Composite Technician | Foundation | ACMA American Composites Manufacturing Association |
BCCC Industrial Sewing & Upholstery Academy | Foundation | Beaufort County Community College |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
Escort Vehicle Operator | Foundation | NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles |
USI Visual Line of Sight System Operations (VSO) | Foundation | Unmanned Safety Institute |
RISE Up Warehouse, Inventory, and Logistics Certification | Foundation | 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 |
Certified Solidworks Professional) | Advanced | SolidWorks |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
NAHM Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) | Advanced | National Association of Healthcare Access Management |
Credential | Level | Issuing Agency |
NC Emergency Management Certification I & II | Advanced | NC Division of Emergency Management |
Lists reflects updates as of November 2024