Credential Tiers for Secondary and Postsecondary Students

Credentials are organized into three tiers, each reflecting a student’s level of training, skill, and readiness for the workforce. The apex is the top achievement available outside of an industry academy.

Base Tier – Microcredentials

These credentials require limited training — usually less than 10 hours — and focus on a specific set of skills. While valuable for building a foundation, these skills alone are not enough to secure employment. These are the lowest tier of credentials. Review the Microcredentials list.

Middle Tier – Certifications

Requiring 10 to 50 hours of training, these credentials combine multiple skills and demonstrate a student’s commitment to an area of learning. While they do not directly guarantee a job, they represent a significant step toward workforce readiness. Review more about Certifications. 

Top Tier – Industry Recognized Credentials

The highest level, these credentials reflect mastery in a specialized area, based on extensive training. They may be knowledge-based, skill-based, or a combination of both, and are often endorsed by national industry professional organizations. These credentials carry strong recognition with employers. Learn more about IRCs.

Apex – Workforce Ready Credentials

Our Workforce-Ready Certification program is designed to guide high school and postsecondary students through the education and skills they need for success in the law and public safety industry. The program has three levels of achievement: Job Aware, Job Prepared, and Job Ready. Each level represents a clear benchmark of progress — from foundational awareness, to developing practical skills, to full readiness for entering the workforce.

These certifications help employers quickly understand a student’s level of preparedness, make students more marketable for a variety of career opportunities, and motivate learners to achieve meaningful milestones on their career journey. Learn more about Workforce Ready Credentials.