Dive Brief:
- The number of certificates awarded for vocational programs that last less than a year has jumped 157% since 2000, far faster than the number for vocational programs of more than a year or associate degrees, but their value seems to be minimal for graduates’ earnings.
- Brookings reports more research on the topic is needed, though studies to date indicate associate degrees across subjects result in significantly greater earnings — and longer certificate programs in health fields, especially, improve labor outcomes — while shorter vocational programs show less evidence of returns.
- Possible models for improving outcomes include partnerships between industry and community colleges to develop certificate programs that provide skillsets that are in high demand, as well as stackable credentials that lead to an associate degree.
Dive Insight:
One issue identified by Brookings is the idea that short certificate programs are not recognized by employers, which limits their impact for candidates in the hiring process. This is the concern with credentials from massive open online courses or other low-cost, online post-secondary options, whether from traditional institutions or not.
A number of initiatives aim to demystify the plethora of credentials that now exist. The American Association of Community Colleges is developing a new model that will help identify the courses, skills, and continuing education credits that go into a range of degrees, certificates, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and badges. The University Learning Store, too, aims to improve the value of credentials by getting industry verification of skills.