Advancing Credential and Skill Transparency in Arkansas

Credential Engine is committed to bringing transparency to the ever-growing landscape of credentials and skills, ensuring that learners, employers, and policymakers have access to the critical information they need to make informed decisions. 

Through our partnership with the State of Arkansas, Credential Engine supports Arkansas in taking a significant step towards achieving credential and skill transparency in the state. By leveraging data in the Credential Registry, a trusted repository of structured data monitored by Credential Engine, Arkansas can now provide transparent access to credential information through the new Arkansas LAUNCH platform, a new way for job seekers and employers to find the best fit for both sides. This integration allows Arkansas to connect its workforce programs in LAUNCH with high-quality, machine-readable credential information in the Registry, providing students, workers, and employers with accurate, up-to-date insights into educational and career pathways. 

Since 2023, Arkansas leaders have worked to build a comprehensive registry (the Arkansas Credential Registry) of all credentials offered in the state, including degrees, certificates, the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), and other public and private credentials by publishing these data to the Credential Registry and then consuming these data. The Arkansas Credential Registry then powers the LAUNCH platform through the use of open structured data.  By using the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL), a linked open structured data format, to describe all training and credentials, stakeholders in Arkansas have a common framework for understanding the variety of opportunities available across the state. 

In the coming year, the Arkansas Credential Registry will continue to grow by including key information on occupational licenses, career and technical education (CTE) programs, apprenticeships, and job opportunities across sectors, furthering the usefulness of LAUNCH for job seekers and employers. 

As more states and organizations prioritize credential and skill transparency, partnerships like the one between Credential Engine and Arkansas pave the way for a more connected and efficient workforce ecosystem. Together, we are building a data-driven foundation that leads to stronger career outcomes, greater economic mobility, and a more competitive workforce nationwide.