Security at a Glance 

Maintaining a secure testing environment is a shared responsibility that supports fairness, accuracy, and confidence in NOCTI credentials. The following practices help protect test integrity while creating a smooth experience for instructors and learners:  

  • Instructors are not allowed to serve as Site Coordinator or Co-coordinator. 
  • Secure test materials should be protected from unauthorized access (e.g., instructors, paraprofessionals, learners) prior to test administration. 
  • Access to the Client Services Center and online testing system should be limited to authorized users (e.g., Site Coordinators, Co-coordinators, test participants). 
  • Skill-based (performance) evaluations should be conducted by trained, non-instructional evaluators such as advisory committee members or industry professionals. 
  • Only authorized individuals may participate in assessments, as outlined in the NOCTI Security Policy. 

Security FAQs

Why are security procedures important?
Clear and well-implemented security procedures help ensure that NOCTI assessments remain valid, fair, and trusted by educators, employers, and learners. These practices protect test materials while supporting accurate use of results for instruction, credentialing, and program improvement.  

Site Coordinators and school administrators play a key role in upholding the ethical standards expected of standardized assessment programs. Thoughtful planning and monitoring before, during, and after testing help promote consistency and confidence across all testing environments.
 
How is security of test materials ensured before, during, and after testing?
Maintaining security is a critical piece of any assessment program. All assessment materials received for both the online and paper/pencil delivery formats must be accounted for and kept in a secure location until the assessment session commences. This includes test booklets, user codes and passwords, and login credentials to access NOCTI's online systems. Access to materials must be restricted to authorized individuals as outlined in the NOCTI Security Policy.
 
NOCTI encourages the use of a materials check-out/check-in process for test administration. This process helps to ensure the security of test materials and the integrity of the testing program by requiring appropriate handling of copyrighted NOCTI test materials by proctors and evaluators.

Who can access NOCTI’s Client Services Center?
The Client Services Center is NOCTI’s secure platform for managing testing programs and resources.  Access is limited to designated Site Coordinators to ensure appropriate oversight and protection of assessment materials. 

What is the instructor’s role in the testing process?
Instructors are essential partners in preparing learners for success and supporting a positive testing experience. 

  • Knowledge-based (written) testing: Instructors prepare learners using available NOCTI resources such as assessment blueprints and study guides. To preserve assessment integrity, instructors do not participate in administering assessments for their own learners.  
  • Skill-based (performance) testing: Instructors are not present in the testing room but remain available during administration to support logistics or address safety and facility needs such as locating extra materials, shutting off power, giving participants a restroom pass. This balance allows evaluators to assess performance independently while ensuring smooth operations. 
Are instructors allowed access to test materials?
While instructors do not have access to secure test materials, NOCTI provides a robust set of preparation tools to support instruction and readiness, including:  

  • Assessment blueprints outlining tested concepts. 
  • Study guides aligned to assessment content. 
  • Instructor Prep Packs for skill-based (performance) assessments. 
How are appropriate proctors and evaluators selected?
Selecting appropriate proctors and evaluators helps reinforce assessment integrity while supporting learners.  

  • Knowledge-based (written) test proctors: Using non-instructional staff as proctors, such as guidance counselors, testing coordinators, or trained substitutes, helps maintain objectivity.  
  • Skill-based (performance) test evaluators: Evaluators should be qualified, third-party, content-specific individuals such as:  
  • Advisory committee members trained or working in the occupational area 
  • Private contractors or industry professionals working in the occupational area 
  • Military personnel trained and working in the occupational area 
  • Qualified non-instructional staff working in the occupational area (e.g., school nurse, maintenance staff) 
Info:
Additional information on Security can be found by reviewing NOCTI's Security Policy