NC H968

Establishes a career and technical education incentive program requiring the State Board of Education to award bonus funds to local school administrative units for students earning industry-recognized certifications or credentials in high-need occupations.

Makes exam fees free for public school students taking one administration of industry certification and credential exams in career and technical education courses.

Awards bonuses to local school administrative units ranging from $250 to $500 per student based on industry certification value ranking, with 50% of ranking determined by academic rigor and 50% by employment value.

Authorizes teachers to receive bonuses up to $2,000 per school year for instruction in courses leading to industry certifications, with teacher bonuses ranging from $25 to $50 per student depending on certification value.

Requires the State Board of Education to report annually to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee beginning in 2014 on the number of students earning certifications and community college credit, and beginning in 2015 to report which local school administrative units received bonus funds and amounts received.