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.

Job Aware – Level 1 Workforce-Ready Credential

The Job Aware certification is the first level in our Workforce-Ready credential program, designed for students in both secondary and post-secondary settings. It recognizes individuals who have gained a general orientation to the career field and an understanding of basic career goals.

Students earning this credential have developed foundational skill sets that show they are capable of mastering more advanced skills within the profession. They also demonstrate a clear motivation and interest in entering the career field, making this an important first step on their path to workforce readiness.

Job Prepared – Level 2 Workforce-Ready Credential

The Job Prepared certification represents the second level of achievement in our Workforce-Ready credential program. At this stage, secondary and post-secondary students have demonstrated mastery of intermediate and advanced skill sets, expanding the range of skills in their repertoire.

Students earning this credential have begun to acquire and apply more advanced knowledge, showing proficiency in their chosen field. Many have earned mid-tier certifications recognized within their industry, signaling a strong commitment to professional growth.

By this level, students are increasingly focused and engaged in their career goals, with a clearer vision of the path ahead and the qualifications needed to succeed.

Job Ready – Level 3 Workforce-Ready Credential

The Job Ready certification is the highest level in our Workforce-Ready credential program, recognizing secondary and postsecondary students who are prepared to transition directly into the career field at an entry-level position. These individuals have developed a broad range of advanced skill sets and possess specific, in-depth knowledge of their chosen profession.

Students at this level have completed at least one industry-recognized credential, demonstrating both mastery and industry alignment. They are excellent candidates for employment, ready to contribute effectively and confidently from day one.

Level Achievment

Below are the minimum requirements for each level. Note – all microcredentials, certifications and credentials must fall under the same pathway. The pathways are Public Safety (Fire, EMS, 911), Law and Justice (Enforcement, CSI, Protective Services), Legal Services, or Military.

Educational Requirements:

• Job Aware: One unit of pathway specific coursework.
• Job Prepared: Two units of pathway specific coursework.
• Job Ready: Three units of pathway specific coursework or pathway completer status as defined by district.

Microcredential Requirements:

• Job Aware: Eight pathway specific microcredentials.
• Job Prepared: Sixteen pathway specific microcredentials.
• Job Ready: Twenty four pathway specific microcredentials.

Certification Requirements:

• Job Aware: None.
• Job Prepared: One of these – CERT, approved Basic Life Support, FAA 107, or OSHA 10.
• Job Ready: Two of these – CERT, approved Basic Life Support, FAA 107, or OSHA 10.

Credential Requirements:

• Job Aware: None.
• Job Prepared: optional. 
• Job Ready: one of the following. 
  • Public Safety
    • NFPA: 1001 or 1720
    • National Registry: EMR or EMT 
    • NECI: Basic 9-1-1 Communications Officer
  • Law and Public Safety 
    • IFPO: Certified Protection Officer
    • LAPSEN: Basic Crime Scene Investigator 
    • LAPSEN: National Law Enforcement Certification 
  • Legal Services
    • NALS: Accredited Legal Professional or Professional Legal Secretary or Professional Paralegal
  • Drones – NFPA 2400

Review: 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.

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.

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.

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.

All of these a building blocks to the apex credential – Workforce Ready.