What is an Industry-based certification?

An industry-based certification is a credential recognized by an industry as valuable, or in some cases, required, for employment. Earning the credential verifies an individual has met the skill standards of that industry and is prepared to succeed in that occupational area.

Certification exams are created by industry approved testing entities, not by the school or teachers. The attached one-page resource will provide additional details about the certification exam and the certifying entity. Certified proctors on-campus may give the exam, or CTE teachers may transport students to an approved testing center, depending on the testing entity requirements.

Why earn an Industry-based Certification?

This exam prepares students for career and college opportunities by demonstrating mastery of required knowledge and technical skills for success.

Even if a student is not planning to enter the workforce directly after high school many postsecondary education programs consider program-related job experiences, credentials, and other non-grade related factors during the admission process. Certification can increase a student’s chance for acceptance into competitive college programs.

Which Industry-based Certification is best?

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has carefully researched and solicited input from industry representatives to ensure each certification aligns to high-skill, high-wage, in-demand occupations in Texas.

How do students prepare to earn certification?

All students enrolled in a CTE course aligned to an industry-based certification will receive instruction, preparation materials, and teacher support to prepare for successful completion of the certification exam.

The CTE teacher will provide direct instruction and materials that will help students prepare for the certification exam. However, it is up to each student to study, practice and ask questions to ensure optimal preparation.

Students will need to meet benchmarks during the year to demonstrate readiness for the certification exam. This also helps the teacher provide supports to better help students prepare.

What are the benchmarks?

1. Final practice exam minimum score of 800.

2. Technical skill demonstration (see ‘Certiport’ for description of skills)

What is the cost?

Pflugerville ISD will provide, at no cost, the preparation material and certification exam fee (first attempt) for all eligible students enrolled in the aligned CTE course.

Students must complete the following steps for the District to fund the certification exam fee.

1. Verify, with the CTE teacher, that all certification eligibility requirements are met. Eligibility requirements are not set by PfISD but by the certifying entity.

2. Participate fully in preparation for the certification exam. Time and materials will be provided during class for the acquisition and practice of required skills and learning, but study time outside of class is required.

3. Meet readiness benchmarks throughout the course.

4. Be present the day of certification testing. If the exam must be administered at a testing site, the District will provide transportation only on the scheduled day of the certification exam. If a student misses the scheduled exam date/time and reschedules to test District transportation may not be available.

Who can answer more questions?

Students and parents/guardians who have additional questions about the certification or the exam process should contact the CTE teacher.