U.S. Census Bureau researchers have found that alternative credentials are often associated with higher earnings, particularly professional certifications and licenses.[i] |
Gaining more knowledge about non-degree credentials is important to understanding education and workforce outcomes. In that spirit, the U.S. Census Bureau earlier this year released a first-time report about non-degree credentials using data collected from a nationally representative panel. They found that in fall 2012, about 25 percent of U.S. adults, or more than 50 million people, held a professional certification, license or educational certificate, and that many benefited from this attainment.
Alternative credentials are prevalent in many CTE occupations, including various technical fields, health care, and education and social assistance. Therefore, it is critical that we learn more about these non-degree credentials and the value they provide. ACTE is participating in this work through such initiatives as the Certification Data Exchange Project and the Workforce Data Quality Campaign.
When sharing this information with policymakers, businesses and the public, include data on CTE students' subsequent or simultaneous attainment of associate and bachelor's degrees and showcase students who have leveraged alternative credentials for workforce success or as a stackable credential on the way to a degree.
Remember, CTE data and research is always available with ACTE Fact Sheets.
[i] Ewert and Kominski, Measuring Alternative Educational Credentials: 2012, U.S. Census Bureau, January 2014.
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