For effective performance in any occupation, an individual must acquire both manipulative skills and certain “know-how” skills. NOCTI’s philosophy is that to accurately measure technical proficiency, it is essential to administer both a skill-based (performance) and a knowledge-based (written) assessment. Please note two important elements:

  1. NOCTI assessments are based on industry standards and utilize industry experts in every step of the development and standard setting process.
  2. NOCTI assessments are diagnostic. The knowledge-based and skill-based components are broken into standards or jobs, which can be used to identify strengths and gaps of programs and individual participants.
A knowledge-based assessment is an effective instrument used to measure certain aspects of technical competence such as factual knowledge and theoretical knowledge about the occupation. Most assessments contain approximately 150 to 200 items and on average require 3 hours for administration.

Skill-based assessments are designed in a work sample format which requires the participant to demonstrate his/her acquired skill by completing an actual segment of work using tools, materials, machines, and equipment characteristic of the occupation for which the test is designed. The content and the skills of each occupation and the competencies to be demonstrated determine the length of each assessment.

Skill-based assessments should be conducted in shops or laboratories equipped with appropriate and sufficient machines, equipment, hand tools, and/or materials. The shops/laboratories may be located in career and technical schools, colleges, universities, or selected industrial sites.

NOCTI’s assessments do not independently measure future success on the job. They serve only to establish an individual’s proficiency in his/her occupation. A variety of tools and other enhancements should be considered when evaluating overall technical competence.

Choosing the Right Assessment
Measuring technical competence requires the evaluation of many different characteristics, factors, and/or qualifications for a variety of occupations. The choice of using the knowledge-based and/or the skill-based assessment is influenced by what the assessment is to measure and the circumstances and conditions under which it will be administered. The assessment used in a given situation depends on a number of factors such as the:

  • Nature of the occupation
  • Intended use of the test results
  • Range of skills and information to be evaluated
  • The components required for teacher certification
Teacher Assessments
NOCTI offers teacher assessments in over 50 technical areas for administration at state-designated authorized Area Test Centers across the nation.  States utilize these assessments to measure occupational specific knowledge of teacher candidates and as part of state licensing requirements.

NOCTI’s teacher assessments are used to:
  • Certify technical teacher competence
  • Screen potential technical teachers
  • Determine additional training needs
  • Obtain credit or advanced standing in occupational programs
  • Develop skills certificate programs
Click here to access assessment blueprints for the teacher tests: https://www.nocti.org/credentials/teacher-testing/

Education Professional
CTE teachers are in an educational class by themselves and need a different set of pedagogical skills and background knowledge.  These differences require a specialized credential to confirm baseline and advanced expectations for new CTE teachers and CTE administrators as well as those professionals working with CTE data. 

CTE Teacher (Levels I and II):
  • The Level I credential includes topics such as 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):
  • The Level I credential includes topics in curriculum, instruction and assessment, personnel, relationships, fiscal management, and foundations. 
  • Level II focuses on program planning and development, leadership, student engagement and leadership, budgeting, and credentialing.
Data Professional (Levels I and II): 
  • The Level I credential topics include 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.
Click here to access more information on Education Professional assessments: https://www.nocti.org/credentials/education-professional-certifications/

Customized Assessments
When the need arises for a customized assessment, NOCTI works closely with the customer to develop assessments that measure the required skills. Please contact NOCTI for more information and costs relating to the test development process.

Assessment Blueprints
To assist ATC Coordinators, assessment blueprints are available at www.nocti.org. Blueprints contain competency lists, percentage breakdowns, sample questions, sample jobs, and time requirements. The assessment blueprints may be shared with test participants for review. 

Delivery Method
NOCTI Teacher Assessments can be delivered in either online or paper/pencil format.