A credential is awarded in recognition of an individual’s attainment of measurable technical or industry/occupational skills necessary to obtain employment or advance within an industry/occupation and is based on standards developed or endorsed by employers or industry associations. These credentials may include educational diplomas or degrees, state-issued occupational licenses, certifications from industry or professional associations, certificates, or results from standardized examinations.
*This definition excludes certifications issued by workforce development boards (WDBs) and work readiness certificates because neither of them document measurable technical or industry/occupational skills necessary to gain employment or advance within an occupation. Certificates must recognize technical or industry/occupational skills for a specific industry/occupation rather than general skills related to safety, hygiene, etc., even if such general skills certificates are broadly required to qualify for entry-level employment or advancement in employment.
U.S. Department of Labor, Credential Resources, https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/TEN/2020/TEN_25-19_Attachment_1.pdf
Examples that do not count as an industry-recognized credential:
– ServSafe Food Handlers Certification
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10
– General computer/network security certificates.
– Work and Career Readiness Certificates
– Industry-specific safety certificate (e.g. construction or transportation)
Although these types of certificates are not classified as industry-recognized credentials, they still hold value in workforce development as they are stackable. They can serve as a foundation for earning additional credentials, helping individuals grow along a career path.
Objective
Nevada aims to identify industry-recognized credentials that meet national quality standards, are recognized by third parties, improve employment prospects, and have market value. Credentials are designed to validate an individual’s measurable technical or industry/occupational skills within a specific field based on standards developed or endorsed by employers or industry associations.
While a credential does not guarantee employment, the state’s vetted list of credentials will help protect students and adults transitioning into the workforce from poor quality credentials and promote credentials that can assist Nevadans in securing employment by providing evidence of skills and information on entry points into relevant industries. There are thousands of credentials that can be reasonably considered. However, to manage the process and align to the immediate needs of the state’s workforce and economic development, the state will first seek to prioritize the identification of credentials that fall within Nevada’s five targeted statewide industries identified by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. The Governor’s Workforce Development Board, Industry Sector Councils, and employers will play a critical role in identifying industry recognized credentials. Credentials will be added or removed from the list based this input and OWINN’s determination. The IRC list will be reviewed and updated annually.
PRIMARY TARGETED INDUSTRIES:
– Information Technology
– Transportation & Logistics
– Natural Resources & Technologies
– Hospitality, Tourism, Sports & Creative Industries
– Advanced Manufacturing
SECONDARY INDUSTRIES:
– Health & Medical
– Water Technologies