Understanding NOCTI Assessments
Success in any career requires both knowledge and hands-on skills. NOCTI assessments are designed to measure both.
Most NOCTI credentials include a knowledge-based written assessment and a skill-based performance assessment. Together, these components provide a well-rounded picture of what learners know and what they can do in relation to the skills needed for the occupation.
Guiding Principles
NOCTI credentials are built around two important principles: industry alignment and meaningful results.
Industry Alignment
NOCTI credentials are based on current national and industry standards. Industry experts are involved throughout the development and standard-setting process to help ensure each credential reflects the knowledge and skills needed in the field.
NOCTI credentials are based on current national and industry standards. Industry experts are involved throughout the development and standard-setting process to help ensure each credential reflects the knowledge and skills needed in the field.
Meaningful Results
NOCTI assessment results are organized in a way that helps programs use the information after testing is complete. Written assessment results are reported by standards, while performance assessment results are reported by jobs. This structure helps educators and administrators identify areas of strength, of recognize skill gaps, and find opportunities to support improvement at both the program and learner levels.
NOCTI assessment results are organized in a way that helps programs use the information after testing is complete. Written assessment results are reported by standards, while performance assessment results are reported by jobs. This structure helps educators and administrators identify areas of strength, of recognize skill gaps, and find opportunities to support improvement at both the program and learner levels.
Knowledge-Based Written Assessments
Knowledge-based written assessments measure a learner’s understanding of the concepts, terminology, and occupational knowledge needed for success in the field.
Typical characteristics include:
- Approximately 150 multiple-choice questions
- 2–3 hours to complete
- Measurement of core occupational knowledge and concepts
These assessments help programs evaluate how well learners understand the foundational knowledge connected to the occupation.
Skill-Based Performance Assessments
Skill-based performance assessments measure a learner’s ability to apply skills in a real-world setting.
During the assessment, test takers complete work-sample tasks that reflect actual job responsibilities. These tasks may require the use of tools, materials, machines, and equipment commonly used in the occupation.
Key considerations include:
- Assessment length varies based on the skills and competencies being measured
- Testing must take place in a properly equipped shop, lab, or approved testing location
- Acceptable locations may include career and technical centers, comprehensive high schools, colleges, universities, or approved industry sites
Using NOCTI Credentials
NOCTI credentials provide a reliable way to measure the critical knowledge and skills connected to an occupation.
Because NOCTI assessments are based on industry standards rather than a specific curriculum, programs have flexibility in how they deliver instruction while still aligning to the expectations of the field.
Assessments are available in both online and paper/pencil formats, allowing testing sites to choose the option that best fits their needs.
Assessment Blueprints
For detailed information about assessment competencies, content weighting, and preparation resources, visit the Assessment Blueprints article.
For detailed information about assessment competencies, content weighting, and preparation resources, visit the Assessment Blueprints article.