Cumberland County Schools reports 16,944 CTE credentials earned; district ranks second in state

Mister Lucas, a career and technical education (CTE) staff member, presented the district's annual credentialing report and said Cumberland County Schools recorded 16,944 credentials earned by students in the most recent reporting period.

Lucas explained that industry-certified credentials are awarded to students who demonstrate mastery of work-related skills and that credentials can be reported individually or bundled to reflect larger instructional sequences. He said credentials are aligned with the state's workforce priorities and that teachers who certify credentials may receive modest state bonuses tied to tiered credential levels.

Highlights and local strengths: Lucas said the district performed particularly well in the architecture and construction pathway (Autodesk certifications) and in public-safety/corrections-related credentials (including NIMS and 9-1-1 communications-related certifications). He noted Cumberland County remains second in the state for total credentials earned, behind Wake County, and said the district is working to expand credentialing opportunities tied to high-growth local industries.

Why it matters: staff said credentials can be used on student resumes, may serve as prior-learning evidence for postsecondary programs, and provide employers with entry-level skills that reduce on-the-job training costs. Lucas emphasized that credentialing is a long-running initiative (14 years) and plays a role in CTE course design and local employer engagement.

Follow-up: staff offered to provide a more detailed listing of credential types and counts and to share course-selection guidance showing which credentials are associated with which CTE pathways. The report was received as an informational item.