The Iowa Department of Education Division of Higher Learning will maintain this evergreen document and the process of adding or removing credentials. Districts, individuals or organizations seeking to add an industry recognized credential may submit a request using the following process. Credentials that are not demonstrated to be industry recognized, current, valuable and supported by Iowa industry will not be considered. Credentials should meet all high-quality characteristics as outlined and have the support of at least five Iowa businesses. While a credential does not guarantee employment, this list will provide support of high-quality credentials that can assist Iowan’s seeking employment with providing evidence of knowledge and skill relevant to industry.

Credential Approval Process

• Credentialing Institution Guidelines:

• The district, individual or organization submitting credential for review has ensured the institution providing the credential is in good national standing, has been third-party validated and meets national and state standards.

• Quality Assurance Guidelines:

• The district, individual or organization submitting credential for review must show the credential supports at least one of Iowa’s Career and Technical Education service areas; aligns to one of Iowa’s high-demand industries and must have the support of at least five Iowa employers who endorse the credential for hiring.

All credentials being requested for review must complete this linked application form. The form must be completed in its entirety to be considered. Step 3 - Review and Response

• Approval - If the credential presented for review meets the high-quality criteria guidelines AND quality assurance guidelines, the credential will be approved and the list will be updated. 

• Pending - If the criteria meets one of the criteria, but not second OR if there are sections of the application form the Department has questions about, the applicant may be asked to revise, clarify or expand upon the application form or meet directly with a portion of the Division of Higher Education team.

• Denial - If the credential submitted for review does not clearly meet the criteria guidelines then the credential will be rejected.