Industry-Recognized Credentials by Career Field

UPDATE July 2026:
 
The Industry-Recognized Credential Committee and Department of Education and Workforce recently debuted changes to the Industry-Recognized Credential system in the State of Ohio. Starting with ninth graders in the 2026-2027 school year (Class of 2030), students using Industry-Recognized Credentials as a pathway to graduation fulfills that criteria when they earn either a single approved standalone credential or an approved bundle of credentials. More information, including the lists of currently approved standalone credentials and credential bundles can be found on the Industry-Recognized Credential page.
 
The below lists reflect credential value under the legacy credential points system. Credentials with these values are still available for the graduation cohorts of 2027, 2028, and 2029 and prior.
The Department will be hosting a virtual Town Hall in August to present this information and take questions from the field. The meeting information and registration link are below.

K-12 Industry-Recognized Credential Town Hall
August 13, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration link


There are many different types of industry-recognized credentials offered or awarded by various types of organizations. They include occupational licenses,  certifications and certificates.

Click on a link below to learn about different industry-recognized credentials by career field. A full list of the credentials with Education Management Information System (EMIS) Assessment Area Codes, career fields, and point values is also available as well as toolkits that outline popular pathways. 

Historical credential lists going back to Fiscal Year 2018 can be found here. Any questions about credential availability in past years can be directed to the Industry Credentials Team.

Explore Career Fields

Agriculture/
Environmental Systems Arts and Communication Business, Marketing, and Finance Construction Education
and
Training Engineering Health Hospitality
and
Tourism Human
Services Information Technology Law and
Public
Safety Manufacturing Transportation

Ohio Driver License

The Ohio driver’s license was added to the list of approved industry-recognized credentials beginning in school year 2022-2023. A student earning an Ohio driver’s license can combine it with other credentials earned in any one of 13 career fields. Learn more in this Ohio Driver License Guidance Document.

 

 

Last Modified: 8/18/2026 12:45:57 PM