Industry Credentials

The Knox County Schools Department of Career and Technical Education’s belief is that every Knox County student should graduate high school fully prepared and focused on post-secondary coursework and therefore meeting the qualifications for quality employment. In order to do this, high school students are encouraged to focus their elective credits on rigorous, career and post-secondary aligned learning pathways. Students who have a clear focus in Career and Technical Education, through one of the programs of study promoted within the Knox County Schools, should conclude the program with at least one nationally recognized industry credential, multiple work based learning experiences, and/or attainment of post-secondary credit hours through one of KCS early post-secondary opportunities. All department promoted credentials are aligned with post-secondary and employment opportunities as well as with the competencies and skill sets that students should have acquired through their chosen programs of study.

For any questions regarding industry credentials, please contact the CTE Specialist responsible for the content area in which the credential is to be earned.

Tennessee Promoted Industry Credentials:

State-approved industry credentials are categorized into three tiers - Recognized, Valued, and Preferred - and promoted for use in K-12 schools and across Tennessee's broader educational and workforce systems. Click on the following link to find a list of the 2020-22 TN Promoted Industry Credentials: Promoted Industry Credentials 2020-22

NCCER – Industry Credential:

The CTE Foundation is an international accrediting NCCER Sponsor.  With this accreditation, the foundation awards industry certifications in core, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal, pipe fitting, and industrial maintenance.  These certifications are recognized worldwide.

Contact person for these specific certifications: Buck Coatney (buck.coatney@knoxschools.org)