Leveraging the CTDL-VAT to Communicate Vendor Requirements and Capabilities
The Credential Transparency Description Language Vendor Assessment Tool (CTDL-VAT) provides a common structure that buyers, vendors, and other stakeholders can use to document specific requirements for using, publishing, and consuming CTDL data in the Credential Registry. The tool includes an overview document with instructions and general questions, a customization guide for tailoring the VAT for specific types of products, and a detailed CTDL data tables document.
The CTDL-VAT streamlines procurement and product development by allowing buyers to clearly outline needs and enabling vendors to showcase CTDL capabilities. It facilitates informed discussions that reduce buyer risk and enable vendors to differentiate.
Credential Engine provides services to support credential and skill transparency, for vendors, buyers, and other stakeholders, including using this VAT.
Benefits across the credential and skill lifecycle:
Many different products are used across the lifecycle of credentials and skills, from initial definition of a credential and its competencies, to credential completion processes, issuing credentials, and empowering people to apply their credentials to learning and career opportunities. The CTDL-VAT can help ensure that product decisions not only support the immediate need for CTDL, but also support other phases of the credential lifecycle in your ecosystem. See Credential Engine’s credential lifecycle resources for more information.
Benefits for All Stakeholders:
- Improve transparency: Gain a clear understanding of CTDL standards and their benefits in credential and skill solutions.
- Clarify communications: Use a common framework, with detailed functionality questions and data tables, to discuss CTDL capabilities, reducing misunderstandings.
- Connect CTDL capabilities across products: Actively develop ecosystems that use CTDL to empower people with linked data connections across all phases of credential and skill lifecycles.
How it Works: Buyers
The CTDL-VAT provides general sections that are applicable to all products and services using CTDL and the Credential Registry. In addition, the tool has sections that you can customize according to your needs to ensure that products and services you’re vetting are aligned with your specific use cases. See step-by-step instructions in the VAT.
Benefits for buyers:
-
- Find CTDL-ready products: Efficiently identify solutions that meet CTDL requirements for your specific use cases.
- Streamline vendor assessment processes: Use pre-written functionality questions and data tables that can be used as-is or customized for your needs.Â
- Make informed decisions: Use a well developed and up-to-date analysis framework to define clear, detailed requirements as a basis for decisions.
How it Works: Vendors
You can complete the CTDL-VAT general sections, as well as the customizations that are relevant for your solutions, within or outside of a specific bidding process. You can also use this VAT as a benchmark in developing your products and services to meet market needs for CTDL.
Benefits for vendors:
-
- Differentiate your offerings with CTDL: Highlight your product’s use of CTDL, CTIDs, and integration with the Credential Registry for enhanced open data capabilities, standing out in comparison with similar products.
- Connect with qualified buyers: Efficiently reach buyers seeking CTDL-ready solutions.
- Streamline purchasing processes: Use pre-written functionality questions and data tables that clearly communicate how your product meets buyers’ needs.
CTDL-VAT Background
The CTDL-VAT was created by Credential Engine’s CTDL-VAT Advisory Group, a cross-functional, open advisory group composed of individuals experienced with procurement of technology products and services and uses of CTDL and the Credential Registry. The advisory group engaged product and service providers, buyers of products and services, standards bodies, procurement professionals from educational institutions, systems, and state agencies, and national organizations.
Get in Touch
Our team of experts is ready to help you embark your credential transparency journey. Whether you have questions about our technologies, services, or don’t know how to get started, we’re here to assist.