TRAINING SERIES

Attainment of Credentials, Degrees and Certificates

WIAWorkforce Investment Act

Why Credentials Matter

A nationally-recognized credential certifies that a job applicant has mastered certain skills

A credential indicates that a job applicant has a certain level of determination and follow-through

A credential may indicate that a job applicant can meet attendance requirements

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WIA Youth Outcome (Common Measures)

Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TELG) 17-05 provides measures for the success of all workforce programs. One of the youth outcomes is:Attainment of a Degree or Certificate

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Degree Defined

High-school Diploma or equivalent (GED)Post-Secondary Degrees (Associate’s,

Bachelor’s Degrees, e.g.)

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Certificate Defined

A certificate is awarded in recognition of an individual’s attainment of measurable technical or occupational skills necessary to gain employment or advance within an occupation.

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Certificates Issued By Educational Agencies

State educational agency responsible for administering vocational and technical education within the State

Institution of higher education (includes community colleges, proprietary schools and other institutions that are eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs)

Institutions of higher education controlled or chartered by an Indian tribe or tribes

TEGL 17-05.

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Certificates Issued ByBusiness or Labor Organizations

A professional, industry, or employer organization

A product manufacturer or developerA registered apprenticeship program sponsor

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Certificates Issued ByRegulatory Agencies

A public regulatory agency, upon an individual’s fulfillment of educational, work experience, or skill requirements that are legally necessary for an individual to use an occupational or professional title or to practice an occupation or profession (e.g. nurse , state certified asbestos inspector)

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Certificates Issued ByWorkforce Partner Programs

A program that has been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer education benefits to veterans and other eligible persons

Job Corps centers that issue certificates

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Certificate Exclusions

Certificates awarded by regional workforce boards are not recognized.

Work readiness certificates are likewise not recognized.

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Credential as WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Outcome

(Core Indicator)The Workforce Investment Act provides that one of the Core Indicators of Performance for adults and dislocated workers is:Attainment of a recognized credential relating to achievement of educational skills, which may include attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or occupational skills, by participants who enter unsubsidized employment.Client must have enrolled in WIA training

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Credential as WIA Older Youth Outcome (Core Indicator)

The Workforce Investment Act provides that one of the Core Indicators of Performance for youth age 19 – 21 is:Attainment of a recognized credential relating to achievement of educational skills, which may include attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or occupational skills, by participants who enter unsubsidized employment or postsecondary/advanced training.

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Credential Defined

A credential is defined as a certificate. This definition applies to clients who began receiving services on or after July 1, 2006.

[TEGL 17-05 Attachment D]

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Attainment of a Credential

A credential may be obtained while a client is still participating in WIA services and up to three quarters after exit.

For adults and dislocated workers, a credential may only be entered if the client was enrolled in training.

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Recording a Credential in EFM

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Quiz 1

Which of the following institutions are qualified to issue certificates? Select all that apply.

a.A State Community College

b.A Registered Apprenticeship

c.An Employer Organization

d.A Public Regulatory Agency

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Quiz 2

To receive a credential, a client enrolled on or after July 1, 2006 must receive a certificate.

a.True

b.False

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Questions or Additional Information

If you have any questions or for additional information, please contact DEO’s WIA policy and technical assistance staff at: WP_WIAProgramInfo@deo.myflorida.com.

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