Inexplicable educational credential maze: Extensive bewilderment among consumers and employers due to the increasingly complex network of educational qualifications
In the modern job market, the proliferation of education credentials has left employers grappling with the authenticity of applicants' academic records. As the number of unique educational credentials in the United States surges to over 960,000, according to Credential Engine, severe concerns have arisen about the legitimacy of these qualifications and the potential for fraudulent ones to undermine hiring standards.
Highlighting this issue is Nate Tsang, a stock research provider at WallStreetZen. Unfamiliar with an increasing number of claimed qualifications on job applications, he initiates a critical evaluation process, asking candidates about their educational experiences and qualifications.
"I question them on what they've learned," says Tsang, highlighting the importance of validating candidates' knowledge rather than merely accepting surface-level credentials. When it comes to certifications, Tsang is skeptical unless they equate to actual degrees, citing the uncertain veracity of certifications not officially recognized as degrees.
While for-profit educational institutions and universities have generated a vast array of credentials to address the growing demand for education and training beyond high school, the industry's functioning is in a state of flux. With no universally accepted standards or mechanisms to define quality, measure it, or guarantee their authenticity, hiring managers and educational regulators are struggling to maintain clarity and integrity in the process.
"People are questioning whether the education they're looking at truly has the significance it claims to have," remarks Julie Uranis, vice president for online and strategic initiatives at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA).
This confusion has escalated as many employers have taken a liberal approach to credentialing, viewing it as a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded employment market. As a result, some educational providers have rushed to offer as many credentials as possible, not always ensuring their substance or value.
Over 80% of well-paid jobs now require some post-secondary education or training, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. To meet this demand, both conventional educational institutions and private corporations offering training and education have developed an array of credential programs.
Nevertheless, the rapid and unstructured proliferation of credentials has led to concerns about the reliability of the educational marketplace. According to a Rutgers University study, it has become "a bit like the Wild West." With diverse credentials of questionable quality and value flooding the market, even the most discerning hiring managers may struggle to distinguish substantive education from worthless imitations.
Consequently, those hoping to secure employment or switch careers may encounter difficulties in securing opportunities when legitimate credentials are unclear or contested. Meanwhile, hiring managers, lacking the time and resources to scrutinize every candidate's background thoroughly, may inadvertently bring on board individuals with dubious qualifications.
Recognizing this predicament, Credential Engine has embarked on the ambitious project of building an exhaustive registry of all U.S. credentials. The goal is to list every diploma, badge, certificate, license, apprenticeship, and industry certification in the country, providing essential information about the format of the instruction, accreditation status, duration, and potential career paths.
Despite this project's potential usefulness, the registry currently includes information about only around 30,000 credentials, a fraction of the total. In the meantime, employers will continue to verify educational backgrounds manually, employing various strategies to maintain a reliable hiring process in this murky landscape.
- Nate Tsang, a stock research provider, questions the authenticity of job applicants' educational records and seeks to validate their knowledge instead of simply accepting surface-level credentials.
- Employers have taken a liberal approach to credentialing, viewing it as a competitive edge, which has led to the rapid proliferation of diverse credentials of questionable quality and value.
- Recognizing the challenge, Credential Engine aims to build an exhaustive registry of all U.S. credentials, providing valuable information about the format of instruction, accreditation status, duration, and potential career paths.
- As of now, the registry includes information about only around 30,000 credentials, a fraction of the total, and employers will continue to verify educational backgrounds manually.
- In the face of these issues, ensuring the legitimacy of educational qualifications becomes crucial for job seekers and hiring managers alike, given the increasing importance of higher education and skills training in today's job market.
