There are many types of tech credentials learners can earn at different stages of their career. Credentials range from more intensive to more accessible based on the level of time commitment, investment cost, and the required body of knowledge.
As evolving industries, such as semiconductors and AI, face critical workforce shortages, more accessible and less time-intensive credentials are a valuable tool for workers who want to learn new skills, upskill, or reskill in tech fields.
What are credentials?
Credential is an umbrella term for the recognition of different types of learning technical professionals achieve to begin or advance their career.
University degrees, such as graduate, undergraduate, and associate degrees are the most time intensive. They’re awarded by educational institutions for a course of study, and are often third-party accredited to meet rigorous standards.
Certifications, while not as intensive as degrees, require mastery of a stringent, industry-recognized body of knowledge which is most often assessed through a certification exam. They are issued by certification bodies, and often require ongoing education to maintain the credential. The time to complete certifications varies.
Certificates are typically awarded for successful completion of a training or education course. Certificates that bear professional credits, such as PDHs or CEUs, require a learner to pass an exam or other assessment.
Skills-based microcredentials are often more accessible than other types of credentials for a wider range of people. To earn these, learners demonstrate their proficiency of skills primarily through performance-based assessment. Because microcredentials have fewer rules governing their definition, industry recognition, the reputation of the issuer, and third-party validation of the program are key elements to help assure quality.
Who can earn credentials?
Both prospective technical professionals and those currently working in STEM industries can utilize credentials to demonstrate knowledge for new opportunities and career advancement.
Entry-level opportunities: Professionals seeking the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will unlock entry-level opportunities in areas such as electronics, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor production can use credentials to qualify for specialized roles that don’t require undergraduate degrees.
Career advancement: Working professionals – or professionals with work experience – can use credentials to add to or level-up skills or learn new skill sets in order to advance their professional development and opportunities within their current field, industry, or organization.
What is the IEEE Credentialing Program?
The IEEE Credentialing Program provides new pathways to technical careers and can help industry bridge workforce gaps to power future technologies. IEEE offers two different types of credential verification for training providers and industry: certificates and skills-based microcredentials.
Both IEEE professional certificates and microcredentials offer digital badges for learners upon successful completion of the program. Digital badges are verifiable and sharable – highlighting learning accomplishments with potential employers.
Benefits to partnering with IEEE
IEEE has been partnering with training providers, conference organizers, and industry leaders to validate training programs and issue verified professional technical credentials for over 30 years. We make it easy to award digital credentials that learners can use for licensing, career advancements, or showcasing new skills.
With IEEE, industry and training providers can offer skills-based microcredentials that are:
- Validated by a globally trusted name with members in 190+ countries
- Turnkey through an online process that makes it easy for providers
- Verifiable and sharable for learners
Interested in getting started? Contact us here.