We need your help to refine the list of NC Workforce Credentials
The NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council is a partnership between education, workforce development, and employers to provide a source of high-quality, real-time information on business needs and the non-degree credentials they value.
What type of credentials should be submitted for consideration to be added to the NC Workforce Credential List?
📍 It’s a non-degree credential (e.g., certificate, industry-recognized certification, license) that is below the Associate’s level.
📍 The credential is associated with in-demand occupations, either statewide or regionally.
📍 Employers value the credential, meaning they give a hiring preference to anyone who holds the credential.
What is the difference between a credential and a program?
A credential indicates documented mastery of a set of defined skills and competencies. Completion of a series of connected courses is not itself a credential; success in a cumulative assessment is required.
When can I submit a credential for consideration?
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and considered by the NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council during its quarterly meeting. Decisions will be shared after each quarterly meeting.
Where can I find the application materials and where will I submit?
The NC Workforce Credentials application must be completed online and is accessible here. Applicants may wish to view a PDF version of the application to ensure they have all documents necessary prior to starting the online application. Here's a template for required letters of support. This template is accessible via PDF or WORD Document.
Who is eligible to submit a credential for consideration?
The only eligible entities that may submit a non-degree credential for consideration are North Carolina Community Colleges, NC Workforce Development Boards, CTE Directors at a NC Public School Unit (I.e., a school district), NC Non-profit 4-year College or University and an Industry Partnership (comprised of at least 3 employers).
If you are not one of these entities but have a credential you would like considered, we encourage you to contact an entity that is eligible to submit to discuss with them the credential you believe may be a good addition to the NC Workforce Credentials List.
What happens after a credential is submitted for consideration?
There is an Initial review for completeness. If the application is incomplete, the submitter will be notified and given the opportunity to add the missing information. Complete applications are reviewed by a credential review committee comprising representatives from the NC Department of Commerce’s Labor & Economic Analysis Division, the NC Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the NC Community College System, and the Department of Public Instruction. The committee makes a recommendation to the NC Workforce Credentials Advisory Council for consideration and endorsement at its next quarterly meeting. Once endorsed by the Council, the credential is added as an NC Workforce Credential.
What is the timing for applications to be considered?
Applications must be submitted 6 weeks prior to a scheduled Advisory Council meeting to ensure that there is sufficient time for review prior to consideration by the Council. Applications submitted after that window will be slated for review at the next Advisory Council meeting. If you'd like to know the next quarterly closing date, please feel free to reach out to ncworkforcecredentials@myfuturenc.org.
Can I submit a credential that is still in the process of being created?
No. For a credential to be considered for the NC Workforce Credentials List it must be current and accessible for people to pursue.
What’s the role of employers in the credential submission application?
The application will ask for evidence that employers have been engaged in the process, including:
📍 Letters from either three employers or a combination of one employer and one trade association will need to be submitted as part of the application using the required template as a PDF or a WORD Document.
📍 Sample job titles and wage information for those who have the credential
📍 Indication of the extent to which the credential is used as a hiring preference
Once my credential is approved, will I have to submit it every year to keep it on the credential list?
No. Credentials will be automatically reviewed biannually according to their industry sector. For example, the manufacturing sector was reviewed in 2021; therefore, all the manufacturing related credentials will be automatically reviewed in the 2023 cycle.
If my credential is denied, is there an appeals process?
No. If a credential is denied, the denial letter will include the reasons. Credentials may be resubmitted for consideration.
Contact Us if you have questions or need assistance with the submission process.