Effective performance in any occupation requires both hands-on technical ability and a strong foundation of occupational knowledge. NOCTI’s assessment philosophy is built on this principle.

To provide a complete and reliable measure technical proficiency, NOCTI administers both knowledge-based written and skill-based performance assessments, providing a comprehensive view of test taker readiness.
 
Key Principles of NOCTI Assessments 
  • Industry-driven and validated: All NOCTI assessments are grounded in current industry standards and developed in collaboration with industry experts at every stage, including test development and standard setting.
  • Actionable and diagnostic: Assessments are organized by standards or job functions, helping programs and individuals identify strengths, target gaps, and support continuous improvement.
Knowledge-Based Written Assessments
Knowledge-based written assessments measure key aspects of technical competence, including factual understanding and theoretical concepts related to the occupation. Most assessments include approximately 150 to 200 items and typically take about three hours to complete. Results support informed decisions related to instruction, remediation, and program alignment.

Skill-Based Performance Assessments
Skill-based performance assessments use a work-sample format, requiring test takers to demonstrate their abilities by completing authentic job tasks. Test takers work with tools, materials, machines, and equipment representative of the occupation being assessed. Assessment length and complexity vary based on the specific occupational competencies being measured.

These assessments are administered in appropriately equipped shops or labs, which may be located in career and technical education schools, colleges, universities, or approved industry sites. Area Test Centers (ATCs) are responsible for ensuring facilities meet the equipment and material requirements needed for a valid assessment experience.

Choosing the Right Assessment 
Selecting the appropriate assessment is an important step in accurately measuring technical competence. Because occupations vary widely in scope and requirements, effective evaluation considers multiple factors and aligns the assessment type with the intended outcome. Programs may use knowledge-based written assessments, skill-based performance assessments, or a combination of both, depending on what needs to be measured and how the assessment will be delivered. 
 
When determining the best assessment approach, consider the following: 
  • Nature of the occupation 
  • Intended use of results 
  • Scope of skills and knowledge 
  • Teacher certification requirements 
Teacher Assessments
NOCTI offers teacher assessments in over 50 technical areas, administered nationwide through state-designated, authorized Area Test Centers. These assessments help states consistently measure occupation-specific knowledge of teacher candidates and support state licensing and credentialing requirements.

Teacher assessments support informed decision-making by helping states and programs: 
  •  Verify technical competence of career and technical education (CTE) teacher candidates 
  • Screen and qualify prospective technical teachers 
  • Identify targeted professional development or additional training needs 
  • Award credit or advanced standing within occupational programs 
  • Support the development of skills-based certificates and credentialing pathways
Access the teacher assessment blueprints here.

Education Professional 
CTE professionals bring a unique blend of industry experience and instructional responsibility to the classroom. As a result, CTE educators benefit from a distinct set of pedagogical skills and foundational knowledge that differs from traditional academic pathways. Specialized credentials help establish clear expectations for new CTE teachers, administrators, and professionals who support and analyze CTE data and work-based learning programs. 
 
CTE Teacher (Levels I and II): 
  • Level I includes student management, lab management, safety, instructional planning, instructional delivery, and student assessment.  
  • Level II focuses on Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Management, work-based learning, employer relationships, specialized teaching strategies, and instructional improvement.   
CTE Administrator (Levels I and II): 
  • Level I includes curriculum, instruction and assessment, personnel, relationships, fiscal management, and foundational knowledge .  
  • Level II focuses on program planning and development, leadership, student engagement and leadership, budgeting, and credentialing. 
Data Professional (Levels I and II):  
  • Level I includes data sourcing, data analysis, data uses, data quality, and data protection.  
  • Level II focuses on data consistency, data governance, data leveraging, data relevance, and data system alignment. 
Work-Based Learning (Levels I and II): 
  • Level 1 includes work-based learning fundamentals, program alignment, program planning and development, career development and planning, and program start-up. 
  • Level II focuses on community/school coordination, program coordination, evaluation, enhancement, and specialization. 
Click here to access more information on Education Professional assessments.

Customized Assessments 
When standardized assessments do not fully meet program needs, NOCTI partners with organizations to design customized assessments that measure specific skills and competencies. The development process is collaborative, ensuring assessments are industry-aligned, valid, and purpose-driven.

To explore customization options, timelines, and associated costs, contact NOCTI to begin the assessment development conversation.

Assessment Blueprints 
Assessment blueprints are available at www.nocti.org.  Blueprints outline the competencies assessed, percentage weightings, sample questions and/or jobs, and estimated time requirements, providing a clear picture of what each assessment includes.  

Using Assessment Results
NOCTI assessments are designed to measure current occupational proficiency. While they provide valuable insight into skill levels, they do not independently predict future job success. For a more complete evaluation of technical competence, assessment results should be considered alongside other performance measures and evaluation tools.

Delivery Method 
Teacher Assessments are available in both online and paper/pencil formats.