In 1966, vocational education programs across the country were experiencing a crisis. Unless more certified teachers could be quickly placed into vocational education roles, the next generation of the American workforce was at risk of falling behind in skilled trades.
At the same time, qualified trades professionals were eager for teaching opportunities, though many lacked the degree required to enter the classroom.
Rising to face this challenge were representatives from twenty-three states. Together, they led a national third-party effort to develop valid and reliable occupational competency examinations that would help certify non-degreed teachers in vocational education fields.
The new “Teacher Test” helped bridge the gap between vocational education and practical workforce needs. As vocational education evolved into what we now know as career and technical education (CTE), we evolved with it. 60 years later, the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) continues to be the trusted leader in credentialing solutions that directly improve America’s workforce.
How Our Partnerships Shape the American Workforce
The NOCTI mission is not limited to one sector. Our work is grounded in partnerships with the CTE community. The positive impact that both NOCTI and the CTE community have on the workforce can be found across industries, from factory floors to park trails.
Throughout our sixty years of service, our success has been made possible by our close collaboration with partners who share our commitment to building a competent workforce.
Celebrating 60 Years of Impact
Over the next several weeks, we will celebrate our 60th Anniversary by shining a spotlight on the work of our partners.
NOCTI’s 60th Anniversary will continue in-person at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION event taking place on December 2nd thru 5th at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As part of NOCTI’s 60th Anniversary celebration, many of our partners will be featured in NOCTI’s Credential Central at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2026, giving attendees an opportunity to explore credentials that are making an impact across education and workforce development.
Attending ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2026 event? Connect with us before or during the event!
Partnerships to Be Featured in This Series:
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)
Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC)
Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE)
Electronics Technicians Association®, International (ETA® International)
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)
North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA)
National Academy Foundation (NAF)
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC)
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)
As we highlight the ways assessments have evolved to meet the needs of the CTE community, we invite you to follow along and join the conversation using #NOCTI60 on social media.
Learn more about NOCTI’s 60th Anniversary celebration!