Tech Cred offerings at Wayne County Schools Career Center

WHAT IS A TECHNOLOGY CREDENTIAL?

Technology credentials demonstrate the competencies necessary to succeed in an occupation that utilizes technology to develop, build, and deliver products and services. Technology credentials rely on science, technology, engineering and/or math related education, as well as technical skills, to benefit an employer dependent on the development, deployment and investment in new and emerging technology, including software development, advanced manufacturing, data analytics, cybersecurity, computer hardware and design, military applications and other emerging fields.

Credentials on the approved list have been recommended by the Technology Review of Educational Credentials (TECHREC) panel of experts and approved by the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

"Credentials" is an overarching term that includes both certificates and certifications.

Certificate: Earned by individuals who successfully complete a training, course, or series of courses.

Certification: Earned by individuals who pass a standardized assessment that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skill, or competency in a particular specialty.

What Makes a Credential Eligible?

Employers applying for TechCred must select which credential their employee is pursuing. To be considered eligible, credentials must meet all three criteria. Eligibility requirements for credentials include:

• They must be industry-recognized.

• They must be technology-focused (as defined below).

• They must be short-term. Credentials must be certificates or certifications able to be completed in less than 12 months or in programs that are fewer than 900 clock hours or thirty (30) credit hours.

TechCred is designed to be responsive to employers.