Why We’re Committed
In 2021, the Connecticut legislature passed legislation to provide residents with a database of credentials offered in the state. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) and the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) are working with the New England Board of Higher Education and Credential Engine to create this database. When complete, it will give students, job seekers, education and training partners, employers, and policymakers clearer and more accessible information about all credentials available in the state. Through this legislative mandate and more, Connecticut’s leaders have demonstrated commitment to prioritizing and investing in credential transparency — which helps residents take advantage of any educational or training initiative they choose. Credential transparency also helps employers in the state and region find workers whose skills and competencies match their needs. In July 2021, OHE and OWS collaborated with Credential Engine to publish credential data from the state’s community colleges to the Registry as a first step. By using the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL), the state adds clarity to the meaning, content, quality, and value of credentials while integrating it with labor market insights and attainment in a meaningful way. Using consistent metadata for key features of credentials through the CTDL, the Registry enables job seekers, students, workers, and employers to search for and compare credentials. The end result will be a system that brings efficiency and transparency to the credential landscape.
Collaborating Agencies
- New England Board of Higher Education (Lead)
- Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy
- Connecticut Office of Higher Education
- Governor's Workforce Council