Supporting a Marketplace of Solutions with the CTDL Vendor Assessment Tool

What is the CTDL-VAT?

The CTDL-VAT is a multi-part tool designed to help buyers, vendors, and other stakeholders document, assess, and communicate the functionality of vendor solutions as they relate to the CTDL, CTIDs, and the Credential Registry. The VAT provides a structured way to outline the specific capabilities of products and services using CTDL, focusing on how they support the publishing, consuming, and managing of credential and skill data.

The tool is broken down into several components:

1. Overview Document: Includes instructions and general questions that apply to all types of products that support CTDL.
2. Customization Guide: Allows for tailoring the CTDL-VAT to suit different types of products or services.
3. CTDL Data Tables Document: Provides a detailed breakdown of the CTDL data supported by each product or service.

How to Use the CTDL-VAT

For buyers, the CTDL-VAT provides a group of general questions that are applicable to all products and services using CTDL, CTIDs, and the Credential Registry. In addition, the tool has sections that can be customized according to buyers’ needs to ensure that the products and services that are being vetted are aligned with specific use cases. 

Vendors may wish to complete the general sections, as well as the customizations that are relevant for their solutions, within or outside of a specific bidding process. The VAT can be used as a benchmark in developing products and services to meet market needs for CTDL.

Benefits of the CTDL-VAT

The CTDL-VAT serves as a bridge between the technical aspects of the CTDL and the Registry and the practical needs of buyers and vendors. It’s a resource that helps stakeholders from different backgrounds—whether they are procurement officers, vendors, or technology developers—align their goals, streamline communication, and make data-driven decisions about credentialing solutions.

Many different solutions are used across the lifecycle of credentials and skills, from the 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 the ecosystem. 

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.

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. 
• Make informed decisions: Use a well developed and up-to-date analysis framework to define clear, detailed requirements as a basis for decisions.

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.

The Future of the CTDL-VAT

The CTDL-VAT will continue to evolve as the Credential Engine ecosystem grows and as new technologies emerge. To keep up with these changes, the CTDL-VAT will be regularly updated, ensuring that it remains a relevant and effective tool for all stakeholders involved in credential transparency.

In a world where credential data is increasingly important for decision-making in education and workforce development, the CTDL-VAT is an essential tool for fostering collaboration and transparency. 

For more information or to provide feedback on how the CTDL-VAT is working for you, contact us at info@credentialengine.org.

View all CTDL-VAT-related materials. 

Watch the CTDL-VAT Launch Webinar.