Harrisburg, Pa. − March 5, 2026 − Following today’s budget hearing with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) announced that she will introduce legislation that will help remove barriers for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the state.
“Our CTE programs across the state are bursting at the seams, and too many students are being placed on waitlists, unable to participate in education programming that will jumpstart their careers,” said Senator Williams. “One of my top priorities as the Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee is to reduce barriers to career and tech ed and get more students access to this incredible programming.”
Currently, CTE students are required to take their end of program assessments, known as the NOCTI exams, during their senior year, regardless of when they finish their coursework. That means a student who has completed their course of study and is ready to take their exams before their senior year has to wait to take their exam, unnecessarily delaying their testing and keeping them in a seat that could be open to another student.
This legislation allows students to take their NOCTI exam when they have finished their coursework. Students can then move on to work-based learning or additional industry-recognized credentials, freeing up an additional space for an incoming student.
“Allowing students to take their NOCTI exams earlier will be a more effective use of their school time and a more efficient use of space at our Career and Technical Education Centers,” said Senator Williams. “This will also give us a chance to reimagine what a senior year looks like for students. This includes opportunities for pre-apprenticeship programs, internships, or additional industry certifications that will give our students a head start on their futures.”
You can view video of Senator Williams and Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Carrie Rowe’s discussion of Career and Technical Education funding and this legislation during today’s hearing here.
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