See what's new with Credential Engine in "Transparency" our monthly newsletter.

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Transparency
Credential Engine develops its data standards through open, inclusive, and transparent processes
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November 20th, 2024

Welcome to the November edition of Transparency, Credential Engine's monthly newsletter! This month, we’re diving into new Credential Engine tools, announcing an upcoming funding opportunity, sharing ways to get involved, and welcoming new staff members.
Jump ahead:
> Spotlight (#Spotlight)
> U (#Policy) pdates (#Updates)
> State Connections (#State)
> Technology & Support (#Technology)
> Events (#Events)


** Spotlight.
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Credential Engine is excited to announce the launch of the CTDL-Vendor Assessment Tool (CTDL-VAT) ([link removed]) , a new resource designed to meet the growing need for transparent, accessible, and reliable information about technology solutions that support the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL). The CTDL-VAT provides a structured framework that buyers, vendors, and other stakeholders can use to document their requirements for using, publishing, and consuming CTDL data within the Credential Registry.

Created to help users better understand the value of CTDL open standard data in credentialing and skills solutions, the CTDL-VAT simplifies communication by offering a clear, common language for discussing CTDL capabilities and reducing potential misunderstandings. It also supports the development of interconnected ecosystems, linking CTDL capabilities across products and facilitating seamless data connections throughout the entire credential and skill lifecycle.

The tool is structured to outline the specific capabilities of products and services that use CTDL, focusing on how they manage and support the publishing and consumption of credential and skill data. The CTDL-VAT includes several key components:
* Overview Document ([link removed]) : Provides instructions and general questions for all types of CTDL-supporting products.
* Customization Guide ([link removed]) : Offers guidance for tailoring the VAT to specific products or services.
* CTDL Data Tables Document ([link removed]) : Itemizes the CTDL data supported by each product or service in detail.

The CTDL-VAT acts as a bridge between the technical aspects of CTDL and the practical needs of buyers and vendors. It enables stakeholders from various backgrounds—such as procurement officers, vendors, and tech developers—to align their goals, improve communication, and make more informed, data-driven decisions when selecting credentialing solutions.

View all CTDL-VAT-related materials ([link removed]) .

Watch the CTDL-VAT Launch Webinar. ([link removed])


** Updates.
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Credential Engine and the American Council on Education Enhance Data Transparency and Improve Prior Learning Portability: Through this collaboration, we have expanded access to the American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations by publishing over 11,000 transfer values in the Credential Registry, making it easier for learners, educators, and employers to recognize and validate the value of prior learning experiences. The transfer value profiles for the ACE credit recommendations are updated in the Registry daily as ACE continuously expands this data. This initiative supports the growing demand for clear, standardized credential data, enabling better pathways for learners to transfer their skills and credits across institutions and career opportunities. Learn more about this work here ([link removed]) .

New Non-Profit Aims to Answer Key Questions about Non-Degree Credential Outcomes: CredLens ([link removed]) , a new non-profit organization, aims to support programs, policies, and organizations that strengthen connections between education and employment in the U.S. CredLens is designed to fill the data gap for non-degree credentials, and through a partnership with Credential Engine, CredLens will leverage the CTDL, advancing and furthering our collective mission toward transparency and open data.

Credential Engine Welcomes New Staff Member: We are excited to welcome Cary Huang as a Solutions Engineer on the CE technical team. He is responsible for the full stack design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of new and existing Credential Engine solutions. Prior to joining Credential Engine, Cary worked as a software engineer, developing, designing, and maintaining core products and services, modernizing their codebase, and automating testing and deployment at Transceprta LLC. Learn more about the Credential Engine team here ([link removed]) !


** State Connections.
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Coming Soon! Another Round of Funding Available to Focus on Opportunities for Success, Jobs Skills, and Pathways: In early 2025, Credential Engine will offer another round of targeted funding to focus on expanding education and employment information available as linked open data in the Credential Registry, to empower all stakeholders with clear, consistent information and to fuel the development of tools and services that use this information to help people make better decisions. To support this work, Credential Engine received a two-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to work with a select group of partners to make opportunities for success, job skills, and pathways available as linked-open data. Learn more about this work here ([link removed]) .


** Technology & Support.
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Invitation to Participate - CTDL Proposal for Qualifications Frameworks as Linked Open Data: Credential Engine is hosting a webinar on December 17th to gather feedback on proposed additions to the CTDL for representing Qualifications Frameworks (QFs) as linked open data. This open, collaborative work aims to enhance the accessibility and usability of data related to qualifications frameworks, which define how credentials are categorized into levels. The CTDL Qualifications Frameworks Task Group has developed new CTDL terms and guidance to improve data standardization for education and training qualifications, enhancing transparency and accessibility for users in global education and workforce sectors. The webinar invites participants to review the proposal and contribute feedback, with materials made publicly available afterward. Register today! ([link removed])

Learn more about this opportunity here ([link removed]) .

Exploring Qualifications Frameworks at APEC’s SOM3 in Peru and Beyond: Credential Engine attended the APEC Third Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3) in Peru, and explored how qualifications frameworks (QFs) are being adapted to meet the challenges of AI. Representatives from APEC economies, including Thailand, Chile, and more, discussed how QFs categorize credentials by learning outcomes, enhancing transparency and mobility. The workshop highlighted strategies to ensure QFs remain responsive to technological advancements and promote inclusivity. Credential Engine plays a key role in making credentials accessible globally through interoperable systems, helping to bridge education and workforce needs. Read more about the APEC meeting and our work around Qualification Frameworks here ([link removed]) .


** Events.
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CBExchange 2024: Report on Advancing Competency Transparency

This year’s CBExchange conference reached a new milestone, bringing together over 800 attendees—its largest turnout yet—underscoring the growing momentum behind competency-based education (CBE) programs. Credential Engine is proudly partnering with the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) to offer personalized, one-on-one sessions for C-BEN members interested in publishing their competencies to the Credential Registry. These individualized sessions guide organizations through the first steps of defining and managing their competencies

By publishing credentials to the Credential Registry, organizations can establish a consistent, structured framework that simplifies the development, management, and sharing of competencies in an accessible and transparent way.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our C-BEN partnership page ([link removed]) to schedule an individualized meeting and begin your journey toward publishing competencies to the Credential Registry.

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