Celebrating Growth and New Talent at NOCTI!
We’re excited to welcome several outstanding new team members whose fresh perspectives and expertise will help drive innovation across our programs. At the same time, we’re proud to recognize recent internal promotions that reflect the dedication and leadership of our staff. These updates mark an exciting chapter in NOCTI’s continued commitment to excellence and service in the CTE community.
Track Progress with Confidence.
NOCTI’s updated pre-test policy now allows up to two pre-tests per academic year—giving educators more flexibility to measure student growth. Be sure to review the new guidelines to make the most of this opportunity!
Your Feedback Shapes the Future.
NOCTI’s pilot testing is now open to all customers—no application required! Help refine credentials while giving students a low-stakes opportunity to build confidence and practice their skills.
Building What’s Next!
NOCTI’s development team is hard at work on an exciting lineup of new credentials designed to meet emerging industry needs and expand opportunities for learners. From cutting-edge technical programs to refreshed standards in high-demand fields, these projects reflect our ongoing collaboration with subject matter experts nationwide. Explore what’s in development and learn how you can get involved.
Where You’ll Find Us This Fall!
NOCTI’s Events page has a fresh new look—now featuring a full list of upcoming conferences we’ll be attending across the country. From Georgia to Texas to Virginia, we’re excited to connect with educators, workforce leaders, and partners in person. Be sure to check out the updated page and mark your calendars to visit us at an event near you.
NOCTI at ACTE CareerTech VISION 2025
We’re excited to return to ACTE CareerTech VISION 2025 with our beloved Bark Park and Credential Corner—now paired with a brand-new Credential Corner Poker Run! This engaging activity invites attendees to draw playing cards by visiting booths, with a chance to win exciting prizes. It’s a fresh way to connect, learn, and celebrate credentialing in a fun, interactive format.
Big Changes Ahead for Micro-Credentials!
NOCTI is excited to announce a strategic restructuring of our Micro-Credential initiative—designed to better meet the evolving needs of learners and industry partners. A few early collaborators are already helping shape the future of this effort, and we can’t wait to share more details soon. Stay tuned for updates as we expand access to targeted, stackable credentials that validate real-world skills!
Subject Matter Expert Spotlight
Adam Hawkins
What began as a college job helping his uncle turned into a lifelong passion. “I started in the HVAC industry working for my uncle to work my way through engineering school,” Adam recalls. “That job turned into something I became passionate about, so I changed my career path and went to school for HVAC.”
For Adam, the most rewarding part of his work is simple: helping people. Whether it’s teaching a student a new skill, repairing a customer’s system, or mentoring a young technician, he finds purpose in making a difference. “I love being a part of someone’s story—either as an instructor or as a technician in the field. I have the unique opportunity to impact people where they live and improve their quality of life in a small way.”
Becoming a NOCTI Subject Matter Expert
Adam recently joined NOCTI as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the first time, bringing his teaching and industry experience to a national stage. As the state curriculum chair for HVAC programs within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), he’s deeply familiar with the challenges instructors face.
“For most instructors in any CTE pathway, the issue isn’t knowing the material,” he explains. “It’s figuring out how to prepare and present that material in a way that others can understand—and how to evaluate students consistently and fairly.” When he saw that NOCTI was seeking input on a new HVAC assessment, Adam jumped at the chance to get involved. “I wanted to have input into the process and help create something beneficial to instructors, students, and industry professionals,” he says.
The Experience and Takeaways
Participating in the test development process gave Adam a broader view of the purpose behind technical education. “It’s easy for instructors and students to get caught up in the details and miss the purpose,” he notes. “This process helped us focus on the main objective and create a product that supports instructors in presenting material consistently.” Adam describes working with the NOCTI team and other SMEs as an honor. “NOCTI did an amazing job of selecting a team with insight and experience across the HVAC field,” he says. “I’m proud to have played a small part in something that will help students and faculty across the country succeed.”
Advice for Future SMEs
Adam encourages others to get involved: “If you want to ensure that the assessments that are used to evaluate students are relevant to the industry and repeatable for the instructor, I highly recommend participating in a NOCTI development or revision project.”
Beyond the Classroom
When he’s not teaching or working in his business, Adam enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and traveling with his family. He also plays guitar at his church—a reflection of the same dedication and balance he brings to his professional life.
Interested in becoming a NOCTI SME? Submit your resume and apply online today!