Industry-Recognized Credentials

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Definition
Purpose
Approved Industry-Recognized Credentials List
CTE Alignment

IRC Request Form
IRC Grant Opportunities
IRC Seal Guidelines and Downloads

Credentials are important milestones for many individual career pathways. Both at the secondary and postsecondary levels, students should have the opportunity to earn education- and work-related credentials that verify skill mastery, educational attainment and the ability to perform a task or operation. Credentials are also valuable to employers, allowing them to determine the skill or education level of job applicants without having to perform an assessment for each one.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (2010), an education- and work-related credential can be defined as a verification of an individual’s qualification or competence issued by a third party with the relevant authority to issue such credentials. Credentials include educational certificates, degrees, certifications and government-issued licenses.

Definition

An industry-recognized credential (IRC) is a certification that has been widely acknowledged as holding value within a specific industry or field. Recipients of such credentials have demonstrated that they possess the knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform specific tasks or roles within that industry. IRCs are awarded by certifying bodies, trade associations or professional organizations that have established standards for proficiency and knowledge within that domain. Designed as a validation of an individual’s expertise, IRCs serve as a trusted benchmark for employers and stakeholders.

Purpose

By earning an IRC, individuals enhance their employability and professional credibility as well as their career advancement prospects. IRCs are developed in close collaboration with industry experts to ensure outcomes align with current and future job market needs. In offering IRCs, districts effectively equip students with specific in-demand knowledge and skills employers are seeking. Alignment of IRCs to district Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways allows students to explore diverse career paths while gaining exposure to different industries and real-world skills and experiences that may help shape their career trajectories. IRCs can also foster stronger partnerships between districts and local businesses, community organizations, and post-secondary education organizations. These partnerships may help develop or strengthen increased collaboration in areas such as work-based learning opportunities for students.

Approved Industry-Recognized Credentials List

The Approved IRCs List is designed to provide districts a starting point to identify relevant high-quality IRCs in alignment with each CTE content area. New certifications can be added through the formal application process and certifications no longer of value can be removed.

2025-26 Approved IRC List - Use this list for 2025-26 SRI reporting.

For assistance with coding and reporting SRIs, please refer to Coding Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) in the SIS tutorial.

CTE Alignment

IRCs help define structured program pathways for students and families. Many IRCs are stackable, meaning they can be accumulated and built upon over time. Students earning entry-level credentials may pursue additional related credentials as they progress through programs. In addition, certain IRCs have established pathways for college credit or articulation agreements with higher education institutions.

There are a number of credentials available that align with Iowa’s six CTE content areas. The Approved IRCs List provides teachers and administrators with suggested credentials most beneficial for Iowa students enrolled in CTE programs transitioning to postsecondary education/training or entering the workforce directly from high school.

Perkins funds can be used to pay for the cost of student assessments that lead to a credential or certificate.

IRC Request Form

Districts or community colleges seeking to add an industry-recognized credential may submit requests each spring. Credentials 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 above 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 Iowans seeking employment with providing evidence of knowledge and skills relevant to the industry.

The deadline to submit requests to add IRCs to the approved list for the 2025-26 school year has past. Requests for the 2026–27 school year will be accepted beginning spring 2026