ECATS Power User

ECATS Power Users are PSU-wide administrators who actively manage users or students in ECATS. To maintain the integrity of data and adhere to FERPA standards, this role should only be assigned to those individuals serving in this capacity. New and Existing Power Users are subject to a certification process beginning April 2025. 

Collectively, anyone holding one of the following roles will be considered an ECATS Power User.

• LEA Admin 4
• LEA Admin 4 - All Programs
• LEA Admin 4 - BTA

Certification Steps

1. Confirm Role Appropriateness
   • Review the User Type Guide (overview).
   • Review the Detailed User Type Matrix (for specific access available by role).
2. Complete Required Training
   NCEES Course: ECATS Power User: Mastering Data Management
   • Course #28939 for PSUs in the East
   • Course #28940 for PSUs in the West
     Note: Completion takes up to 24 hours to populate in the system for verification.
3. Verify Staff UID and Salary Code
   • Staff UID and annual salary code must begin with an acceptable object code.
   • Work with HR staff to confirm compliance using the ECATS and State Staff UID document.
4. Submit Access Form and Verification
   • Complete the ECATS Power User Access Request Form.
   • Obtain approval signature from the EC Administrator or higher PSU authority.
   • Email the signed form to ecats.poweruser@dpi.nc.gov, with the EC Administrator copied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I complete the course and submit my signed form? 
DPI will provide the LEA Admin 4 role upon confirmation of your completion of all required certification requirements.. 

What if my PSU has an add-on module? How do I receive expanded Power User rights? 
DPI will only grant the LEA Admin 4 role as an ECATS Power User.  Any other iteration (LEA Admin 4- All Programs, LEA Admin 4 – BTA, and LEA Admin 4 – All Programs – BTA) will be provisioned by the vendor with the approval of NCDPI.   These iterations are for those managing LEA Admin 4 AND add-on solutions from the vendor.  If you are interested in the LEA Admin 4 iteration roles, you must meet the criteria for the LEA Admin 4 role and then submit a Zendesk ticket for any iteration roles.

Why am I having difficulty accessing the course in NCEES?
Access to both ECATS and NCEES are governed by the Annual Salary Object code, generally assigned by your Human Resources and/or UID staff. In July of 2025, 12 additional user roles (50,000 new users) were given access to the NCEES system. Please contact your PSU’s NCEES Administrator if you have difficulty accessing ECATS Power User: Mastering Data Management course in NCEES. 

Why am I being told I’ve not completed the NCEES course when I know that have completed it? 
It can take up to 24 hours for your completion to populate in the system for verification. Additionally, you must complete the wrap-up questions at the end of the course. This is in addition to the embedded quizzes.

What is the implementation timeline?

• April 21, 2025: New Power User process launches.
• Spring 2025 to Summer 2026: Existing Power Users must complete the course.
• Summer 2026: Verification of Power Users and statewide cleanup begins.
• Summer 2026: Inactive or uncertified Power Users will be deleted or demoted.

Documents

• ECATS Power User Access Request Form
• User Type Guide
• Detailed User Type