Credential Transparency Initiative Launches Website

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Credential Transparency Initiative (CTI) has launched its official website, www.credentialtransparencyinitiative.org. The initiative is creating a first-of-its-kind credential registry that will allow users to see what various credentials — from college degrees to industry certifications and micro-credentials — represent in terms of competencies, transfer value, assessment rigor, third-party approval status, and much more. Website visitors will find information, news, and resources about the initiative's goals, progress, and working committees.

Today's credentialing marketplace has become a confusing maze of certifications, degrees, certificates, licenses, badges, and other micro-credentials that are difficult to interpret, translate, and navigate. A coherent and transparent credentialing marketplace – one that all users can understand, trust, and use effectively – is a solution, and the vision that drives the initiative. 

The credential registry is on target to launch by spring 2016. The project team is working closely with credentialing organizations to make information about their credentials and quality assurance processes available for the pilot test. Partners include universities and community colleges that award a variety of credentials – from certificates and AA degrees to BA/BS degrees – as well as organizations outside higher education that award industry certifications, certificates, and credentials, such as licenses and badges.

The Credential Transparency Initiative is led by a partnership among the George Washington University's Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP), Workcred – an affiliate of the American National Standards Institute, and Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale's Center for Workforce Development. Strategic direction for the CTI is provided by an executive committee consisting of senior representatives of the American Council on Education, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Business Roundtable, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Committee for Economic Development of the Conference Board, and NAM's Manufacturing Institute. The development of the registry is being supported by Lumina Foundation.

For more info:  visit www.credentialtransparencyinitiative.org or follow the CTI on Twitter and Facebook.

About the George Washington Institute of Public Policy
The George Washington Institute of Public Policy is a research institute at the George Washington University that engages in and supports a wide range of high-quality policy research.

About Workcred
Formed in 2014 as an affiliate of the American National Standards Institute, Workcred is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen workforce quality by improving the credentialing system, ensuring its ongoing relevance, and preparing employers, workers, educators, and governments to use it effectively.

About SIU
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public doctoral research university serving 17,989 students. SIU's Center for Workforce Development implements education, leadership and technology advancement initiatives that support the development of a college- and career-ready workforce.

About Lumina Foundation 
Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation committed to increasing the proportion of Americans with high-quality degrees, certificates, and other credentials to 60 percent by 2025. Lumina's outcomes-based approach focuses on helping to design and build an accessible, responsive, and accountable higher education system while fostering a national sense of urgency for action to achieve Goal 2025.

SOURCE Credential Transparency Initiative