North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) students earned 382,964 industry-recognized credentials during the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a report released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). This is the highest number of credentials achieved in the state’s history.
North Carolina ranks second in the nation for K-12 student participation in CTE courses, with 36.1% of all students enrolled. Nebraska is the only state with a higher participation rate. The report shows that 59% of available credentials were attained by students, meaning nearly six out of every ten possible credentials were earned.
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green commented on the milestone: “The record amount of credentials represents real opportunities for our students. When a student earns an industry-recognized credential, they’re not just completing a course, they are gaining a competitive advantage in the job market and building a foundation for long-term career success.”
Since the 2020-2021 school year, there has been steady growth in credential attainment. Increased funding from the NC General Assembly has contributed to this trend; in 2022-2023, $15.8 million was allocated to allow public school units to provide credentialing opportunities to most CTE students.
Key findings from the report include:
– 80.61% of CTE concentrator graduates—students who take two or three courses within a career pathway—earned an industry-recognized credential related to their field.
– Over 98% of these concentrators graduated on time.
– Students obtained credentials across 292 different industry certifications linked to high-demand jobs.
– Statewide CTE credential attainment rose by 6.9% compared to last year.
– Of all credentials earned, 70,182 are recognized as priority by employers through the NC Workforce Credentials list.
– The Northwest Region had the highest attainment rate at 73%.
– Wake County Public School System led with 32,630 credentials earned.
Top-performing districts by attainment rate included Transylvania County Schools (89%), Pender County Schools (88%), and Mitchell County Schools (87%).
Credentials are categorized into three tiers based on academic rigor and employment value. Tier 3 certifications—which are advanced and often required for specific jobs—continued to see growth. Students received certifications in fields such as welding, electrical trades, health sciences, and information technology.
Trey Michael, NCDPI’s senior director for CTE, said: “Industry-recognized credentials give students a head start on their careers. Whether a student is pursuing nursing, cybersecurity, construction or culinary arts, these credentials validate their skills and open doors to good-paying jobs.”
The report notes that NC CTE offers more than fifty of about 182 priority workforce credentials identified as leading to sustainable-wage careers in North Carolina.
Career readiness credentials—which focus on general skills applicable across industries—increased as well; students earned 6,390 such credentials this year compared to 5,932 last year.
The full Credential Attainment Report can be accessed at NC DPI.
