Industry Recognized Credentials

• Credit Industrial Recognized Credentials
• Non-Credit Industrial Recognized Credentials

Credit Programs:

Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) show you have the skills and knowledge needed for a specific job or task. These credentials can be certificates, certifications, licenses, or degrees issued by organizations trusted by employers.

Integrating these credentials into your education provides you with practical skills and experiences, effectively bridging the gap between education and employment.

Credentials are developed with industry experts to ensure they meet current and future job market demandsd, making them highly relevant and valuable. Earning one verifies your skills to an employer and demonstrates you are ready to work.

The credit programs listed below include an IRC. More information, including Iowa’s approved IRC list, can be found at the Industry-Recognized Credentials | Department of Education.

Non-Credit Programs:

Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) help continuing education students quickly show employers that they have mastered job-specific skills. These credentials include certificates, certifications, or licenses issued by  trusted industry groups. They connect non-credit training to real-world workforce demands, confirming practical skills employers need. 

Employers appreciate credentials because they instantly verify your skills, saving them time and extra assessments. Many credentials can also be stacked, helping learners gradually advance their skills and careers. 

The non-credit programs listed below include an IRC. More information, including Iowa’s approved IRC list, can be found at Industry-Recognized Credentials | Department of Education.