Executive Director & CEO's Message

December 2024

The Power of Competency-Based Learning and Industry-Recognized Credentials

Learning should be measured by what you can do: the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) that lay the foundation for success with quality competency-based models for education, hiring, and training, so everyone can grow the Competencies they need for career-readiness and lifelong learning.

Competency-based learning refers to a diverse set of practices by which schools give students opportunities to learn at their own pace to master specific skills, often through projects of their choosing that dovetail with their interests. Several states have offered funding to schools to help them get competency-education programs off the ground, including Iowa, North Carolina, and Oregon.

Competency-Based Education (CBE), proficiency-based learning, mastery-based learning, personalized learning, student-centered education, and standards-based education are all terms that refer to the same instructional model: one in which students make choices about how they learn and demonstrate their knowledge, learn at a pace that might differ from their classmates’, receive individualized support based on their needs, and progress based on their mastery of course material instead of seat time.

And, when CBE is cross-walked with key Industry-Recognized Credentials that your state’s business and industry organizations have deemed valuable – the training and education for all can be considered workforce development worthy in the 21st century!

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, Industry Recognized Certifications (IRCs) have become essential in education, offering students a competitive edge and signaling their readiness for the workforce. The Global Skills X-Change has a new guide, “Industry Recognized Certifications: 3rd Party Accreditation,” that provides a comprehensive look at these invaluable credentials and their role in shaping career pathways.

This GSX guide is an essential resource for educators aiming to bridge the gap between education and industry, helping students navigate their career pathways with confidence and clarity. It includes important topics like:

The Role of Certifications: Learn how IRCs enhance educational experiences, motivate students, and bolster career readiness. Discover how these certifications serve as a testament to students’ skills and competencies, making them more attractive to employers.
Guidance for Educators: We offer practical advice for high school teachers, career technical instructors, and counselors on guiding students in selecting the right IRCs to align with their career goals. Our guide includes a curated list of entry-level certifications that are ideal for high school students.
Understanding IRC Levels: Get insights into the various levels of IRCs, from entry-level to advanced certifications, and understand which are most appropriate for high school students and their educational journeys.
The Importance of 3rd Party Accreditation: Find out why third-party accreditation matters, and how it ensures the quality and credibility of certifications. Learn about leading accrediting organizations like ANSI, NCCA, NOCTI, and ICAC, and why their endorsement is a mark of excellence.
Practical Examples: Explore real-world examples of accredited certifications available to high school students, from IT and healthcare to manufacturing and electronics. See how these certifications can pave the way for successful careers.
Additional Considerations: Dive into other important aspects of IRCs, including stackable credentials and renewal requirements, to help educators and students make informed decisions.

Some best practices for industry-recognized credentials include:

Incentivizing high-value credentials: Use data collection and reporting, employer verification, and labor market data to create a rigorous approval process.
Labor market alignment: Ensure that the industry-recognized credentials students earn align with labor market information.
Data collection and reporting: Audit current programs for quality and alignment with labor market demand.
Employer engagement: Establish and sustain industry-recognized credential programs with the help of employers.
Interagency collaboration and state policy: Collaborate across agencies and develop state policy.
Statewide communication: Communicate statewide about industry-recognized credentials.

REMINDER: On December 12th NCATC is holding our Q4-24 – Quarterly Drop-In, which focuses on one of the four Strategic Pillars of Success: Competency-Based Education, Applied Learning, and Industry-Recognized Credentials – Promising Practices and Needs Discussion. REGISTER HERE

NEW – NCATC 2025 Conference – will be hosted by Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ, next September 17-19, 2025, and will be jam-packed with keynotes, expert panels, speakers, industry innovation tours, and an in-depth look at their NEW Advanced Manufacturing & Automotive Centers focused on all things Advanced / Emerging Technology – Industry 4.0/x.0. See the NCATC 2025 “Save the Date” and watch your inbox for more details early in 2025!

As always, we encourage you to stay regularly connected and up to date on all ATC, WFD, and CTE-related activities and guidance, via the weekly updated NCATC website, social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X etc.), and quarterly digital newsletters.

J. Craig McAtee

NCATC

Executive Director | CEO