Workcred's executive director, Roy Swift, Ph.D., recently authored an article focused on industry-based credentials in the United States, which was featured in the first issue of the Journal of Interprofessional Workforce Research and Development at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science's Interprofessional Healthcare Workforce Institute. Workcred is an affiliate of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Dr. Swift's article describes how just like with a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get in the credentialing system. "With less than 10 percent of the more than 4,000 personnel credentialing bodies active in the U.S. accredited by a third party, there is no common definition of quality or market value, varying levels of confidence, and little consistency across industry sectors," he explains.
The article also hones in on why credentials are growing in popularity, and how they advance the workforce and improve the overall performance of the labor market. It's critical to differentiate a credential with market value from a "credential to nowhere," Dr. Swift explains.
As executive director, he leads efforts at Workcred, which was formed in 2014 with the mission to create greater clarity in the U.S. credentialing marketplace. The organization focuses on achieving a competency-driven credentialing system through research, consulting, stakeholder collaboratives, and education.
The feature also underscores that nationally and internationally accepted standards exist to ensure the quality of certificate and certification programs. For example, ANSI/ASTM E2659, Standard Practice for Certificate Programs, is the globally recognized American National Standard for certificate programs. In addition, ANSI/ISO/IEC, 17024:2012, Conformity assessment - General requirements for bodies operating certification of person, is a national and international standard that sets the bar for quality certification programs.
Read more about the rise of credentials and how to navigate their market value: Credentials are like a box of chocolates: you never know what you are going to get