Americans need clear and reliable information about their educational options. But they also need to know how to navigate these options. Good data on credential quality and transparency helps them select a path that leads to equitable economic and career success.
It’s no mystery why people need better information that is easy to find, reliable, and actionable: there are nearly 1,000,000 unique credentials issued in the U.S. and more than 50,000 training providers and community colleges that offer credentials. Without better data, people can get lost and lose out on opportunity.
Good data is about equity: it helps students, working adults, and people undergoing career transitions select a path that’s likely to lead to career success. Good data shines a light on what training programs will help them succeed in growing industries. Data helps people understand which credentials will help them upgrade their skills to find work in the new economy.
Creating an impact with Credential Quality and Transparency is a state policy toolkit that guides states on how to improve credential quality and transparency. It illustrates how states can use the quality non-degree credential framework (outlined by National Skills Coalition) and the linked open data network, common description language, and publishing platform created by Credential Engine to better map and understand non-degree credentials.