Invitation to Shape How CTDL Describes Credential and Qualification Types

Opportunity to Provide Input

Credential Engine is convening a focus group of subject matter experts to review and provide feedback on a proposed approach to enhancing the way the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL) describes different types of credentials and qualifications.

The goal is to ensure that CTDL fully represents the many distinct credential and qualification types defined within national and regional qualification systems worldwide.

Background

In many parts of the world, the terms credential and qualification are used interchangeably. Most countries have qualification systems that define types of credentials, describe their key characteristics, and position them within a progression of learning or occupational levels.

The CTDL already includes numerous, well-defined types of credentials and qualifications—such as degrees, diplomas, certificates, badges, and licenses. These high-level classes support broad, consistent descriptions across learn and work ecosystems, helping systems, platforms, and stakeholders understand and connect different types of credentials

See the CTDL Types List ›

However, many countries define credential and qualification types in ways that are unique to their systems, even when the names are similar. Our recent work with the Qualifications Frameworks as Data Global Task Group made it clear that CTDL must be able to reflect these differences to support global transparency, comparability, and alignment.

Focus group participants 

Participants in this focus group will help shape how credential types are described in CTDL by:

• Reviewing and commenting on a proposed solution for how CTDL can represent these distinctions
• Helping ensure the model supports global flexibility, accuracy, and usefulness
• Sharing examples of credential and qualification types defined by authorities in their countries and sectors
• Identifying the defining features that distinguish those types—such as level, purpose, legal recognition, or learning context

What to Expect

• Time commitment: 1–3 hours total over 4–6 weeks
• Format: Up to two Zoom meetings (each 60 minutes), plus optional review of drafts
• Scheduling: Meetings will be offered at different times to accommodate global participants
• Optional: A third meeting may be added if additional discussion is needed

Credential Engine will provide all materials and present solutions for feedback.  The focus group will respond with examples and suggestions, and help refine the approach to ensure that it works for diverse use cases around the world.

Who Should Participate

We welcome participation from:

• National and regional qualifications authorities responsible for defining or managing qualifications
• Quality assurance agencies that accredit or validate qualifications with respect to government defined qualifications
• Credential evaluators and others who rely on clear definitions of qualification types
• Education professionals and providers who offer credentials aligned to national or system-defined requirements

Anyone with expertise in how government-defined credentials or qualifications are structured and used

Sign Up to Participate

If you would like to join the focus group or learn more, please complete this short form and select all of the meeting dates and times that work best for you:

Sign up here

If someone else in your organization is better suited to participate, feel free to share the link with them.

For questions, please contact us at info@credentialengine.org.