Expanding Mechatronics Opportunities at SkillsUSA

The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) is continuing to strengthen its partnership with SkillsUSA by expanding its mechatronics testing initiative from the national stage to state-level competitions. 

This expansion builds on the success of NC3’s electronic testing platform, which was introduced during the 2025 SkillsUSA National Mechatronics Competition. During that event, both secondary and postsecondary student competitors completed an electronic exam designed to assess their mechatronics knowledge as part of the overall competition. The testing added an important layer of industry-aligned assessment and helped validate the technical knowledge students brought into the hands-on competition environment. 

Following the successful launch of the electronic exam at the national level in 2025, NC3 and its partners are preparing to use the platform again during the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, taking place the week of June 1, 2026. With continued momentum and confidence in the system, NC3 was also asked to pilot the same testing platform at the State SkillsUSA competitions in South Carolina and North Carolina. 

The implementation at the state level has proven to be a strong step forward in preparing students for success on the national stage. By using the same testing platform at both the state and national levels, state champions gain valuable experience with the format, expectations, and rigor of the national competition before advancing. This alignment helps ensure that students are not only technically prepared, but also more confident as they move into national-level competition. 

At both the national and state levels, students who complete the assessment earn a Certificate of Knowledge endorsed by NC3, Festo, SkillsUSA, and 3M. At the state level, the certificate is also endorsed by the participating state, further recognizing student achievement and providing an added credential that reflects both technical knowledge and competition readiness. 

This initiative reflects NC3’s broader commitment to supporting students, instructors, and competition partners with meaningful, industry-relevant assessments that connect classroom learning to real-world technical expectations. By embedding recognized knowledge testing into the SkillsUSA Mechatronics Competition, NC3 is helping elevate the student experience while strengthening the pathway from state competition to national success. 

Looking ahead, NC3 plans to continue growing this opportunity. In 2027, NC3 will expand state-level mechatronics testing to additional SkillsUSA state competitions, bringing this valuable preparation and credentialing opportunity to even more student competitors across the country. 

As NC3 continues to collaborate with Festo, SkillsUSA, and 3M, this initiative demonstrates the power of partnership in creating consistent, high-quality experiences that prepare the next generation of skilled technicians for future education, training, and careers in advanced manufacturing and automation. 

To learn more about the Festo Program, contact Lisa Marshall.

For any questions about the Train-the-Trainer event, contact Ashley Crissman.