Overview
Background on Assessment
In the late 1980s, Career and Technical Education (CTE) began to implement competency-based testing.
In 1995, the Utah State Legislature determined that up to 20% of CTE funding would be allocated based on student performance. Since that time, competency-based testing has grown to become an integral part of CTE curriculum, program improvement and accountability strategies.
All 42 districts in Utah and many charter schools participate. The testing program continues to grow from over 53,000 tests in 1996-97 to over 423,500 tests in 2023-2024.
Tests are offered in all Career and Technical Education program areas.
Assessment Purpose
The Skill Certificate Program is also used to report vocational and technical skill attainment for the accountability system mandated in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998.
Students who pass the performance assessment receive a certificate that lists the standards measured by the test. While the assessment system is not a formal certification program, the certificates issued to students can be used when seeking a job or in applying for further education and training as evidence of their accomplishments.
When available, industry licensure certification tests are utilized.