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.
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.
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 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.
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.