Students can take a singular test to instantly boost their employability, move up in their chosen field and improve their income. Industry based certifications, also known as IBCs, are offered as part of the Career and Technical Education department.

CTE certifications, also known as IBCs (industry based certifications), are a great opportunity for students. Texas High offers 15 IBC certifications:

“The extra things you do just like taking AP exams, those extra moments that sets you apart from other students and really benefit you when you least expect it,” assistant principal Charlotte Leon said. “These are tests that show competency and mastery skills in real world workplace experiences.”

The best part of the IBC program is that they allow students to take them in high school. This can be a real benefit by allowing students to save up more money for college and day to day needs.

“You could go work at McDonald's and flip burgers, or you could use that certification and go get yourself a job as a chicken tech or Texarkana Sports Magic or the print shop,” Leon said.

Although the prices of the exams are expensive, as long as the student passes the school will cover the cost of the exam. This should be taken advantage of given students can improve in many areas for free. Although a student might be pursuing Computer Science, they will be able to further knowledge and get certifications in the Floral Design field.

“If they don’t pass the test then expenses on the students so it's an incentive to not test until you're ready.” Leon said. “Don't test just to see how you could do, be ready and pass it.”

Another great thing about the IBC program at Texas High is that a student taking the exam doesn’t have to take the class to be eligible for it. This allows students to grow in multiple areas simultaneously.

“We're just kind of trying to move away from that so it's not it doesn't limit or restrict anyone” principal Olivia Webb said. “You would go and take like a two week course, all day every day.”

There are some requirements to take an IBC exam. These are necessary for a narrowing of the competition and so the school does not have to pay a large amount of money at one time to keep the program going.

“Teachers have to choose which one is the most applicable and aligned with the course TEKs standards, assignments, and projects that they're doing inside their classrooms,” Leon said. “Because classrooms are extremely different and what students do inside those programs are extremely different.”

These certifications can be built upon and can lead to further progression. If a student receives their CTE certification, they could start working while still in highschool, but they would have a head start against the competition.

“They are designed to help students obtain a certification in a job that they can actually use right out of high school,” health science teacher Joe Nolen said. “There are a few situations where they may be able to use them while they're still in high school, and then go directly to a job, like in the certifications that lead to them being able to obtain a license from the state.”

Computer science teacher Mark Ahrens agreed that the program can offer an array of benefits to his students..

“They can apply for jobs right out of high school and will have a much better chance of being employed and for longer periods of time because it shows that they’ve already got their certification,” Aherns said.

The IBC certifications listed at the top of the story aren’t the only certification a student at Texas High can receive. There are much much more.

“Anything that you talk about, I can find you an exam, and there are several that the state of Texas will help districts provide for opportunities for students,” Leon said.

The IBC / CTE certifications should be pursued because the opportunities given to students if they pass far outweighs the consequences if the student fails. Ultimately, this program should be used to the fullest extent because students can move up in their field, increase their pay, and find more job opportunities.

“Yes, you're taking your university classes, but you have a certification that can help get you a job within the field you are working in while you are going to college getting your degree, which is going to help with your next steps.” Mrs. Leon said. “These are tests that show competency and mastery skills in real world workplace experiences.”

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