Rockdale ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department offers Industry-Based Certification (IBC) testing on a continuous basis throughout the school year. Depending on the program of study in which the student may be taking the exam, that testing could be in the fall or spring semester. This year, students at Rockdale High School will have earned over 100 certifications.
Students taking Business Information Management I, take the Microsoft Office Specialist Word IBC exam through Certiport. Successful candidates on this exam demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the Word application, creating and editing multi page documents and utilizing many of the features of the application correctly. In the fall, 59 students were successful in earning this certification.
Students in the Ag Mechanics or Manufacturing Programs of Study have the opportunity to earn American Welding Society D9.1 Certifications through the Texas High School Welding Series events. Some events are held at locations throughout Texas, but two events were held right here in Rockdale. The first was the annual Tiger Tough invitational event held in the fall and sponsored by Perry & Perry Builders, Inc. The second was a certification event last week held at the high school for just our local students. Between statewide and local events, this year, 15 students have earned a D9.1 welding certification in various positions.
Students in the Manufacturing or Construction programs of study also have the opportunity to earn their OSHA-30 Hour Construction certification. This certification program provides more advanced training about common safety and health hazards on the job. OSHA training and certification of students wraps up next week.
Students taking Floral Design take a knowledge-based exam to earn the Texas State Floral Association (TSFA) certification. Students can also choose to take a hands-on portion of the exam, where they create a floral arrangement and a boutonniere for a Level One TSFA certification. This testing occurs in May and because we have many students taking Floral Design for Art credit, over 50 students will be taking some version of the floral certification exam.
Students in the Information Technology program of study are working toward their CompTIA+ certification and will take that exam when they have proved mastery of skills. This program was implemented more recently and so students are just now beginning to earn certifications.
Students in the Health Science program of study have also been preparing the Certified Medical Assistant exam through the National Healthcare Association. Students who choose to take this exam will have the option to do so in May. This exam is the culmination of four years of knowledge and skills, and so not every student chooses to pursue this certification.
Rockdale ISD’s CTE programs work with our local business and industry, as well as higher education to com bine academics, technical knowledge and the employability skills needed for students to be successful in the workforce. Our programs offer students the chance to earn industry-recognized certifications that allows for a seamless transition into the workforce upon graduation. These certifications and training help students to obtain a job that could pay for college or start a career straight out of high school. All certification exams are paid for with Career and Technical Education funds and at no expense to the student.
Please contact Britina Pesak, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness at bpesak@rockdaleisd.net or 512-430-6000, ext. 1021 if you would like to find out more about any of the CTE programs available at Rockdale ISD.
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