Nevada Industry Recognized Credentials

Nevada aims to identify credentials that enhance employment opportunities, are recognized by third parties, have labor market value, and align with national quality standards. The state’s vetted list of Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) help protect citizens from low-quality credentials, while promoting those that provide clear, measurable skills and support meaningful career advancement. While thousands of credentials could be considered we have streamlined processes to ensure the IRC list aligns to the state’s most in demand occupations and the state’s targeted industries identified by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.

Primary Targeted Industries:
– Information Technology
– Transportation & Logistics
– Natural Resources & Technologies
– Hospitality, Tourism, Sports & Creative Industries
– Advanced Manufacturing

Secondary Industries:
– Health & Medical
– Water Technologies

Industry Recognized Credentials List

Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) are awarded in recognition of an individual’s measurable technical or industry/occupational skills within a specific field based on standards developed or endorsed by employers or industry associations.

IRCs are industry-recognized certificates or certifications, certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, a license recognized by the state or federal Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.

IRCs must document measurable technical or industry/occupational skills necessary to gain employment or advance within an 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.

Examples that do not count as an industry-recognized credential:
– Food Handlers Certifications (including ServSafe)
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– CPR Certifications
– General computer/network security certificates
– Certifications issued by local workforce development boards (LWDBs)
– 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 contribute meaningfully to workforce development. They are considered stackable credentials, providing a valuable starting point for individuals to build upon as they pursue more advanced or specialized certifications along their career pathways.

Links to Resources:
U.S. Department of Labor, Credential Resources, Training and Employment Notice No. 25-19
Post Secondary Credential Attainment Tool
IRC Q&A
In-Demand Occupations

In order to be considered for inclusion on Nevada’s Industry Recognized Credentials List, the IRC Request Form must be completed.

Minimum requirements:
– Fit the definition of an Industry Recognized Credential.
– Meet national quality standards.
– Prepare individuals for high-skill, high-wage, and/or in-demand occupations in Nevada.
– Improve employment prospects and have market value.

Additional guidelines: 
– Credentials that fall within Nevada’s targeted statewide industries identified by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board will be prioritized.

Industry partners will play a critical role in identifying industry recognized credentials. After feedback is reviewed, credentials are approved or denied. Approved credentials will remain on the list until something changes with the credential to cause it to be re-evaluated. Determinations are also made in alignment with the Department of Labor (DOL) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements.

The IRC list will be reviewed and updated biannually, to be posted by the 30th of each June and December. OWINN will accept submissions eight weeks prior to an updated list. Applications submitted after the deadline will be deferred for review during the next scheduled update cycle.

The submission deadlines are as follows:
For the June list: April 30.
For the December list: October 31.

IRC Request Form