How do you let employers know that you have the skills they need? Show employers your credentials in your resume, portfolio, and discuss them during your job interview.
What is a credential?  
A credential is a document, certificate, license, or digital badge proving a person's qualifications. You earn credentials by proving you have the knowledge and the skills that are required often through completing courses or training and taking tests. Examples of credentials include:
Credential/Examples | Definition |
Certificate
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Degree
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Diploma
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Occupational License
| Licenses are put into place to protect the public interest by ensuring workers are skilled to do the job and held to a standard of work ethics. |
Certification from Industry or Professional Association
| Industry or a professional association ensure the programs meet industry standards.  They may have specific requirements for instructors that teach the courses.  They may have curriculum and standardized tests that must be used. |
Badge
| An emblem that is worn or displayed to show you have a specific skill set or membership to a group. |
What are the benefits of having credentials?
How long does it take to earn credentials?
The amount of time it takes to earn credentials depends on several factors such as:
There are career pathways in high-demand career areas that require short-term training to earn credentials over weeks or months. These credentials may build upon each other as stackable credentials. Other credentials may take a year or longer.  When looking at career information and the training and credentials needed for them, consider how long it may take to earn them.
How do I learn more about credentials?
Visit professional association websites for various industries.  Here are some to get you started.
Resources:
[1] https://www.campusexplorer.com/alternative-education/certificates/
[2]
https://en.wikipedia.org/