Career and technical education (CTE) programs are known for expanding learning beyond the classroom or textbook. Performance assessments are an important way to validate these technical skills and recognize student achievement. Let’s explore how performance assessments contribute to CTE program success and enhance student recognition.
Performance Assessments Verify Competencies and Skills Needed for Workplace Readiness
A performance assessment is a hands-on showcase of real-world skills. Learners roll up their sleeves and prove their abilities by completing tasks with the actual tools, materials, and equipment used in their industry. Performance is the ultimate way to bridge knowledge with action, allowing students to “show what they know” and demonstrate their readiness for the workforce with confidence.
During a performance test, learners don’t just answer questions—they step into real-world roles and put their skills to the test. Culinary students craft restaurant-quality dishes using commercial kitchen equipment, additive manufacturing students troubleshoot complex 3D printing projects, and healthcare science students demonstrate their ability to take a patient’s vitals. These assessments go beyond showcasing technical skills—they verify that students have the perfect blend of skills, knowledge, and practical experience to be successful in their chosen industry. Through performance assessments, students don’t just prove they are job ready—they demonstrate they have what it takes to build a successful career.
Performance-based assessments provide a more equitable and precise measure of an individual’s capabilities than traditional academic metrics alone. This verification of competency is a bonus for employers seeking skilled workers for in-demand technical positions. As technology evolves rapidly and industry needs shift, a reliable way to verify technical skills will be more essential than ever.
Performance Assessments Showcase Student Achievement
Certification and performance assessments are more than just skill verification—they’re also a celebration of student success! Recognizing student achievement in CTE is incredibly important, serving as both a powerful motivator and a confidence booster. When educators and industry leaders make recognition part of the learning process, they inspire students to stay engaged, push their limits, and strive for excellence. By fostering a culture of achievement, students are prepared not just for jobs, but for successful careers in an ever-evolving workforce.
NOCTI offers various opportunities to recognize student achievement, including a Workforce Competency Credential, college credit recommendations, and its new press release template.
Workforce Competency Credential
NOCTI recently expanded its Workforce Competency Credential, now offering separate certificates for knowledge-based and skill-based achievements. This update allows students to showcase their excellence in both areas, highlighting their well-rounded competencies. The Workforce Competency Credential is awarded to individuals who meet or exceed NOCTI’s criterion-referenced cut score on a NOCTI credentialing assessment. Students can use skill-based achievements to enhance their resumes, prove their industry readiness, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
College Credit Recommendation
NOCTI collaborates with the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) to translate NOCTI credentials into valuable college credit equivalencies. Experienced industry experts and professors have evaluated the rigor of NOCTI credentials and determined equivalent semester hours.
In some cases, the NCCRS recommends students be awarded additional credits if they successfully complete the performance assessment in conjunction with the written proficiency exam. For example, students may earn three semester hours for the knowledge component of the Culinary Arts Prep Cook and an additional one to two credits for the performance assessment. A full list of college credit equivalents for NOCTI’s credentials may be found on the NCCRS website.
Press Release Template
NOCTI offers press release templates to promote and celebrate student achievements with the broader community and stakeholders. These templates highlight students’ success in earning NOCTI certification and acknowledge how this milestone showcases their dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence. It’s a great way to publicly celebrate and share students’ accomplishments!
Partner with NOCTI to Get Started with Performance Testing
For over 55 years, NOCTI has been at the forefront of developing industry-recognized credentials and resources to empower students to reach their goals and support educators in delivering high-quality instruction.
NOCTI’s skill-based performance testing is a game-changer for validating real-world competencies. Available for Job Ready Credentials and several Partner Network Credentials, these assessments combine knowledge-based and skill-based components across 100+ occupational areas. Whether used together or independently, they provide a comprehensive measure of student readiness. Contact NOCTI to explore how performance testing can enhance your program and better prepare students for career success.