The National Skills Coalition (NSC) recently released a report titled “The Non-Degree Credential Quality Imperative” which outlines a framework for defining and promoting quality non-degree credentials. The report seeks to support stakeholders such as students, workers, businesses and education and training programs by encouraging productive state action toward policy and investment in quality non-degree credentials.
A non-degree credential is defined as a postsecondary credential that does not fit the parameters of a degree program. Categories of non-degree credentials include certificates, industry certifications, apprenticeship certificates, occupational licenses, badges and microcredentials. Earning non-degree credentials can assist workers in attaining higher-paying jobs by displaying skills and experience while simultaneously aiding employers in identifying quality candidates. Additionally, non-degree credentials are often more affordable and less time-consuming than a traditional degree program.
However, not all non-degree credentials lead to equal outcomes, and differentiating quality non-degree credentials could provide learners with key insights to choose programs that lead to better outcomes and allow policymakers to feel more confident investing in these programs. As states have increasingly developed their data systems to provide more complete data across the educational system, they are best equipped to evaluate the outcomes of these programs and communicate their findings to the public. To stimulate such action, NSC launched a multi-year initiative to define and promote quality non-degree credentials by collaborating with states that were already engaged in developing or implementing quality criteria such as Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee and Virginia.
By evaluating many factors including earnings, competencies and employment within these states, NSC crafted a framework for developing criteria for quality non-degree credentials. This defines a quality non-degree credential as a credential that equitably leads to substantial job opportunities, includes clearly defined competencies, leads to higher earnings, can be stackable with additional education and training, and can be applicable to a range of employment opportunities.
NSC then worked with states to develop policy that implements this framework, and the report identifies steps to increase the probability of success for states that engage in this process in the future. They include a commitment to strong leadership, determining specific goals for the quality framework, engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders, investing in improved data collection and reporting, implementing policies that prioritize funding for those pursuing quality credentials and evaluating how the quality framework can promote racial and gender equity.
This framework, and the lessons learned by states engaging in the process of applying it to credentials in their own state, can yield important insights for work on the national level as well, such as work to expand Pell Grants to short-term credential programs.
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