Promoting High-Quality Industry-Recognized Credentials

Review related resources:

• TEN 25-19, Understanding Postsecondary Credentials in the Public Workforce System is intended to assist the public workforce system in better understanding the key elements of credentials and identifying credentials that help individuals acquire and leverage the skills needed for quality in-demand jobs that meet the needs of the business community. 
• Program Memorandum 26-5: Strengthening Recognized Postsecondary Credentials in Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides guidance to state CTE directors and eligible recipients under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V) regarding the identification, approval, and use of recognized postsecondary credentials that demonstrate labor market value. 
• CareerOneStop's Certification Finder includes more than 26,000 industry recognized certifications across all occupational sectors. The tool allows users to search for certifications by keyword, occupation, or industry; access detailed information on certification requirements; link certifications to O*NET occupational data and projections from the Occupational Handbook; and identify certifications associated with high-demand and high-wage occupations.
• Credential Engine is a non-profit focused on mapping the credentials, qualifications, and skills landscape, supporting the creation of a centralized Credential Registry to house up to-date information about all credentials; the development of Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL), a common description language to enable credential comparability; and a platform to support customized applications to search and retrieve information about credentials.
• Education Strategy Group's Stackability Guide: Building Credential Connections within Institutions supports credential efforts by anchoring to four evidence-informed pillars: (1) Data infrastructure and systems, (2) Mapping and alignment of curriculum, (3) Credential pathway communication, and (4) Student-centered supports.
• College Affordability and Transparency Center collects several tools for reviewing the cost and where available the outcomes associated with education programs, including College Navigator and College Scorecard.
• TrainingProviderResults.gov lists training providers from state Eligible Training Provider (ETP) lists, and where states have reported sufficient data, employment outcomes. Find your state's ETP List using CareerOneStop's WIOA-ETP Finder.
• Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder lists Registered Apprenticeships, sponsors, apprenticeship offices, and other partners within and around apprenticeship systems.

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Resource Publication Date: 2026
• Organizational Author(s): Employment and Training Administration
• Posted by: Career Pathways TA
• Posted in: Career Pathways