Exploration by Credential

This map shows the extent to which the number of credentials earned aligns with demand for a specific credential in each state.

Supply/Demand Categories

This measures the extent to which each credential is oversupplied or undersupplied. The metric is based on a comparison of the number of credentials earned and the number demanded in each state and for each credential. Categories include:. Categories include:

Credential Type

License: Mandated by law for workers to gain permission to practice in specific occupations and must be renewed periodically. Requirements vary by state and/or by licensing agency. Certification: Signal an individual has acquired a set of abilities and, in some cases, allow them to perform a specific job. Certifications are not a legal requirement, but may open doors to entry-level jobs or help seasoned workers advance up the career ladder in their field. Software: Demonstrate competence of a specific software. This includes productivity software and job-specific applications such as graphic or computer-aided design. General Career Readiness: Measure foundational workplace skills including basic reading, math, financial and digital literacy, workplace safety and basic life support or first aid. These types of skills are applicable across virtually all occupations. CTE Assessment: Measure the skill attainment of students who have completed a program course sequence or CTE pathway. These assessments test the student’s mastery of state standards and are not necessarily aligned with or approved by an industry body or used in hiring or advancement decisions. Some states include CTE Assessments, in addition to other types of industry credentials, within their CTE accountability and reporting systems.