Credential EngineCredential Engine

Bringing Credential Transparency Through Technology

We envision a future where millions of people worldwide have access to information about credentials that opens their eyes to the full range of opportunities for learning, advancement, and meaningful careers.

Credential Engine is a non-profit whose mission is to map the credential landscape with clear and consistent information, fueling the creation of resources that empower people to find the pathways that are best for them. Credential Engine provides a suite of web-based services that creates for the first time a centralized Credential Registry to house up-to-date information about all credentials, the 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.

Illuminating Paths to a Better Future

Credential Engine provides a suite of technology and web-based services that help learners, credential providers, employers, and policy-makers understand the value of credentials.

In addition to technology, we work directly with these stakeholders to ensure that the path to credential transparency is clear and leads to good outcomes.

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CTDL – A Common Language

We developed the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL) – a schema, or common language, that people and systems can use to understand each other. It unifies data, provides meaning, and makes it easier for learners, businesses, researchers, and systems to discover and understand different credentials.

Credential Registry

Our cloud-based Credential Registry hosts detailed information about credentials and skills and makes it accessible to anyone from anywhere. It allows providers to upload information, such as learning outcomes, cost, and market value, and fuels the development of tools and services that use this information to help people make better decisions.

Policy & Advocacy

Credential Engine works alongside policymakers to take inefficiencies out of the talent marketplace and provide people with efficient and equitable access to learning opportunities based in credential transparency. We also partner with organizations and thought leaders who can help us advance our mission.

Tailored Services

Credential Engine offers a wide range of free and fee-based services that meet the needs of organizations managing credential and skill data. Whether you’re a government agency, credentialing organization, military body, employer, technology provider, or others working toward credential transparency, our services are tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Our Mission

Credential Engine is a non-profit whose mission is to map the credential landscape with clear and consistent information, fueling the creation of resources that empower people to find the pathways that are best for them.

Read Our Strategic Plan

Organization History

Credential Engine grew out of the Credential Transparency Initiative (CTI), which began in 2013.

CTIʼs mission was to research and initiate the development of a centralized registry of credential information, a common credentialing language, and a credential search engine. This effort was led by the George Washington Universityʼs Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP), Workcred – an affiliate of the American National Standards Institute, and Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondaleʼs Center for Workforce Development, with support from the Lumina Foundation. Among other things, the original research team included Fmr. Assistant Secretary of Labor Bob Jones, Dr. Bob Sheets, Dr. Steve Crawford, and Dr. Roy Swift.

Credential Engine was formally founded in December 2016 to operationalize the work of CTI through the support of Lumina Foundation and JPMorganChase&Co.

Founding members of Credential Transparency Initiative

Our Team

Credential Engine’s team of experts work together on a unified mission to make the credential environment transparent.
Meet Our Team

Our Board

Our Board of Directors is composed of leaders in industry, education, workforce, labor, and technology.
Meet Our Board

Advisory Groups

Credential Engine is guided by leading representatives in higher education, business, certification, quality assurance, and technology.
Meet Our Advisory Groups
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