For effective performance in any occupation, an individual must acquire both manipulative skills and certain knowledge-based skills. NOCTI’s philosophy is to accurately measure occupational proficiency, therefore, it is essential to administer both a knowledge-based and a skill-based component. Please note two important elements:

  1. All NOCTI credentials are based on available industry standards and utilize industry experts in every step of the development and standard-setting process.
  2. All NOCTI credentials are diagnostic. The knowledge-based and skill-based components are broken into standards (knowledge-based) or jobs (skill-based), 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 occupational competence such as factual knowledge and theoretical knowledge about the occupation. Most knowledge-based assessments contain approximately 150 multiple-choice items and on average require from 2 to 3 hours for administration.

Skill-based assessments are designed in a work sample format which requires the participant to demonstrate 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 skill-based 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 tech centers, comprehensive high schools, colleges, universities, and/or selected industrial sites.

NOCTI’s credentials serve as a tool to establish an individual’s proficiency in the field of study. A variety of tools and other enhancements should be considered when evaluating overall occupational competence.  Another key factor to be stressed is that NOCTI credentials are created to measure the critical core competencies of the occupation being assessed. NOCTI credentials are based on national and/or industry-based standards and are not developed based on any specific curriculum.

NOCTI credentials can be delivered in either online or paper/pencil format.

Assessment blueprints containing competency lists, percentage breakdowns, sample questions, sample jobs, and time requirements are available at nocti.org and can also be accessed through the Resources section of the Client Services Center.  The assessment blueprints may be shared with instructors and test participants to assist in choosing the assessment to be administered, aligning assessment content to program content, and preparing for test administration.