A new 50-state scan reveals that while no state has comprehensive data about all types of non-degree credentials, including certificates, licenses, and industry certifications, states are improving their data collection practices around non-degree credential attainment.
Because full-time workers with credentials earn more than those without credentials, states recognize the value of non-degree credentials and are including them in statewide educational attainment goals, according to Measuring Non-Degree Credential Attainment from the Workforce Data Quality Campaign.
States are most likely to have data about public for-credit certificate programs, registered apprenticeship certificates, and licenses.
Thirty-six states report having most or all individual-level data on for-credit certificates from public two-year institutions in their state. Twenty-seven states report having most or all data about registered apprenticeship certificates, and 22 states report having most or all licensing data.