1. (1) The department reviews industry-recognized credentials against a combination of eligibility factors, requiring that multiple, but not all, of the following factors be satisfied:

   1. (a) demonstrated connection to higher-level credentials that deepen industry knowledge;
   2. (b) aligns with in-demand occupations and sectors across the state;
   3. (c) widely recognized by industry employers, for example by showing that the credential is regularly listed as a required or preferred qualification in job openings;
   4. (d) addresses existing skill gaps and identifies new or emerging occupations;
   5. (e) accredited by an independent third party;
   6. (f) displays evidence of employment in an occupation with average entry level wages of at least 80 percent of the statewide average wage;
   7. (g) accessible to various populations for industry advancement;
   8. (h) available as a registered apprenticeship through the department;
   9. (i) evidence that a student has a job offer from an employer contingent upon completion of the credential.

2. (2) The department assigns credit value for an industry-recognized credential against a combination, but not all are required, of the following factors:

   1. (a) quality of the proposed curriculum;
   2. (b) aligns with in-demand occupations as indicated by the department’s employment projections and statewide workforce goals;
   3. (c) demonstrates proficiency related to industry skills;
   4. (d) evidence of strong assessment procedures;
   5. (e) progress toward apprenticeship or further certification;
   6. (f) amount of time and effort required for completion.

Authorizing statute(s): [Section 15(3) of HB 252]

Implementing statute(s): [Section 15(2)(a) of HB 252]

History: NEW, 2025 MAR, Notice No. 2025-268, Eff. 11/22/25.