Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announces updated list of industry-recognized credentials

7/28/2026

Updated list ensures all credentials are high‑value and aligned to employer demand

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announced the release of an updated list of approved industry-recognized credentials. The new list was adopted by the K-12 Industry-Recognized Credential Review Committee following a comprehensive evaluation process of all existing credentials. The State of Ohio, working with key partners, gathered feedback from more than 1,000 education, workforce, and business leaders to ensure students earn credentials that adequately prepare them for their next steps following high school.

Beginning with the high school Class of 2030, each student using industry-recognized credentials as a path to graduation fulfills the requirement when they earn either a single approved standalone credential or an approved bundle of credentials.

This change is to better align DEW’s list with clear demand data and outcome information on students who earn credentials after high school. As of July 2026, the list includes 70 approved standalone credentials and 21 approved credential bundles.

Schools, businesses, and credential vendors may apply to the Industry-Recognized Credential Review Committee to propose additions or updates. The application window opens Aug. 1, and closes Oct. 31.

The application will be available on the Department's website.

The Department will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, Aug. 13, from noon-1 p.m. to discuss these changes. Registration can be completed ahead of time through this form.

Direct questions to the Industry-Recognized Credentials Team at industrycredentials@education.ohio.gov.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the ADA coordinator at ADAaccommodation@education.ohio.gov or 614-369-4919 no less than three business days (72 hours) before the event. Requests submitted less than 72 hours before the meeting/event may not be able to be accommodated, though DEW will make every effort to provide accommodations if possible.