NOCTI

NOCTI is a nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized assessments to measure mastery of occupational skills within career and technical education (CTE). It provides credentialing assessments aligned to national and state standards and covers a range of career areas such as business and information technology, health sciences, engineering and manufacturing, and skilled trades. The assessments combine knowledge-based items with performance tasks and simulations to evaluate practical competencies.

NOCTI assessments are used by K-12 schools, postsecondary institutions, workforce development programs, and employers to gauge program effectiveness, guide student preparation, and provide portable credentials. Successful completion yields a NOCTI credential that can support entry into work or further education. Tests are offered in computer-based formats and delivered through partnerships with state education agencies or districts. Schools access reporting tools with performance data at the program, school, and student levels to support benchmarking against national norms and state standards.

As a nonprofit, NOCTI collaborates with educators, industry partners, and government agencies to align assessments with evolving occupational competencies. The organization has played a long-standing role in vocational assessment in the United States and operates alongside other providers of CTE assessments.

Critics note concerns about accessibility and the recognition of credentials among employers, while supporters view NOCTI credentials as portable validations of vocational skills.