The VDOE has developed the Path to Industry Certification: High School Industry Credentialing program to encourage more students to work toward a selected industry credential or state license while pursuing a high school diploma, Students who earn a credential by passing a certification or licensure examination may earn up to two student-selected verified credits to meet graduation requirements. Students entering ninth grade and working toward a Standard Diploma will have an industry certification as a part of their graduation requirements. In addition to providing the opportunity to earn student-selected verified credits, this initiative provides the following benefits: 

In addition to providing student-selected verified credit(s) and adding value to a student's résumé for obtaining entry-level positions in today's technical job market, credentials provide the following benefits to students:

• added value to a transcript for higher education purposes or obtaining an entry-level position in the technical job market

• evidence that the student has completed advanced educational preparation by verifying competency in career and technical education skill areas in demand by business and industry;

• increased job opportunities for advancement in a chosen career path; and

• enhanced self-esteem for students through achieving national occupational competency standards recognized by business and industry.

A credential is defined as:

• State-Issued Professional License, required for entry into a specific occupation as determined by a Virginia state licensing agency (Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Cosmetology);

• Full Industry Certification, from a recognized industry, trade, or professional association validating essential skills of a particular occupation (A+ CompTIA, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP);

• Pathway Industry Certification, which may consist of entry-level exams as a component of a suite of exams in an industry certification program leading toward full certification (Automotive Service Excellence, (ASE), Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS); or

• Occupational competency assessment, a national standardized assessment of skills/knowledge in a specific career and/or technical area, (NOCTI).

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All Career and Technical Education programs offer opportunities to earn a State Board of Education approved industry certification and/or a professional license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Passing an industry-approved examination verifies that students have the knowledge and skill levels for higher education and career opportunities after high school. The list below identifies the certifications offered at Martinsville High School and Patrick Henry Community College.