Why Credentials Matter

In today’s competitive job market, employers look for more than just education—they want proof that candidates can perform on day one. Credentials provide that proof. They show a student’s mastery of specific skills, knowledge, and competencies recognized by industry professionals. Whether it’s an entry-level certificate or an industry-recognized credential, each one adds value to a student’s résumé and increases their marketability.

For students, credentials are more than a certificate—they are milestones that build confidence, mark progress, and open doors to career opportunities. They also help students explore career paths, gain hands-on experience, and stand out in applications for jobs, internships, and further training.

Why LAPSEN is Involved

As a national leader in Law and Public Safety Education, LAPSEN works directly with educators, training providers, and industry partners to ensure our credentialing aligns with real-world expectations. Our goal is to connect education to employment by:

• Setting clear standards for skill mastery at every stage.

• Partnering with industry to identify credentials that employers value.

• Supporting schools and instructors in implementing credential programs.

• Providing students with a clear pathway from learning to earning.

By being part of the credentialing process, LAPSEN ensures that students are not just learning about law and public safety—they are prepared, recognized, and ready to succeed in the career field.

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.