• Industry-Recognized Credentials

    An industry-recognized credential is a verification of an individual’s qualification or competence. A third party with authority (U.S. Department of Labor, 2010) issues a credential. Authorities include business, trade association, or other industry-group assessments that measure technical competency and validate knowledge and skills in a specific industry. This also includes licenses or legal permission to engage in particular types of work that typically a government agency issues (ODE Website).

    The industry-recognized credentials are used for school and district report cards.   Students in the Class of 2018 and beyond will be able to use industry-credentials to qualify students for high school graduation. 

    For more information on high school graduation requirements, visit the CMSD webpage or talk to your Guidance Counselor.

     
    Open each Pathway and click on each Credential Name to access additional information.
     

    How can a student earn a high school diploma under the “credential” Option?

    In order to qualify for a diploma under the credential option, a student needs to do two things:

    • Earn a minimum score of 13 on WorkKeys, a work readiness test that many employers use
    • Earn an industry-recognized credential or credentials worth 12 credential points

    Can a student mix and match credentials?

    Yes, a student may choose any combination of credentials that totals to 12 points within a single career field. Students can consult with a counselor, teacher, or other professional to aid in choosing the bundle of credentials that best suits their career aspirations.

    Why can’t a student mix and match credentials from different career fields?

    The goal is for students to exit high school with a coherent bundle of credentials that leads to meaningful employment or post-secondary options. For example, obtaining a Taser certification (for law enforcement) along with a couple of IT certifications and the ServSafe (for food handlers) as a bundle would not have an obvious use or application in the workforce.