Industry-Recognized Credentials

Per C.R.S. 23-5-145.8, “Industry certification” means a credential awarded by an industry-recognized third party or industry-governing board based on an individual demonstrating by assessment that the individual has acquired the designated knowledge, skills, and abilities related to a specific occupation or skill. Industry certifications may be time-limited dependent upon the occupation or industry.

Districts must submit the official form during the open submission window. This process will function much as it has in the past:

1. Submission form is open until August 31.
2. Someone from the school district (not a credential provider) must fill out the form.
3. Once the form is complete, you will be sent a link to a Syncplicity folder to upload:
   • A letter of support from your local Workforce Board
   • At least one letter of support from a local business in regards to the credential you are requesting

Submissions are reviewed by CDE. If a credential meets all requirements, it will be added to the List of Qualified Credentials (LoQC) for the school year after next. For example, a credential submitted during the 2026 submission window would be added to the 2027–28 LoQC list if approved (not 2026-27).

The 2026 submission window (for additions to the 2027-28 list) is now open through August 31, 2026. 

2027-28 LoQC Additions Form
 

There are four criterion an IRC must meet to be eligible for addition to the LoQC list:

1. In Demand: The credential must align to high-demand or critical occupations identified in the Talent Pipeline Report or by a regional workforce board.
2. Evidence of Skills: The credential must clearly show the specific skills and competencies a student gains.
3. Employment Outcomes: The credential must lead to strong job outcomes—either directly to a living wage job, toward a critical occupation, or as part of a pathway to a living wage.
4. Stackability: The credential should build toward additional credentials to support career growth, unless it already leads directly to a living wage job.

Resources for finding this information can be found on the Labor Market Information (LMI) Gateway website.

Please visit The Big Three webpage to learn more.

Please visit the PWR webpage.

LEPs report IRC data through the Data Pipeline during the reporting window: April 13 – June 30

Schools report students who completed approved IRC requirements during the reporting school year using the IRC file layout.

To qualify for sustain funding:

• The student must be in grades 9–12 (identified for full-time funding only in the annual Student October Count data collection in the same budget year the outcome is achieved)
• The student must complete at least one approved IRC
• The student must have a valid SASID
• The LEP must submit complete and accurate reporting data through Data Pipeline
• The LEP must maintain documentation supporting eligibility and completion requirements
   

The IRC file layout is used by CDE to determine an LEP’s eligibility amount for Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Sustain Funding.

Funding amounts are based on:

• The number of eligible students reported
• Successful completion of IRC requirements
• Compliance with reporting and documentation requirements

Any funds received beyond eligibility may be subject to repayment.

LEPs must maintain documentation demonstrating:

• Student eligibility
• Participation and completion of IRC requirements
• Dates of IRC attainment
• Allowable use of funds

Examples of documentation may include:

• Copy of the IRC
• IRC database
• Records of class completion of IRC with student names

Documentation is especially important in case the LEP is selected for program monitoring.

The Department monitors:

• Student Eligibility
• Student Outcomes
• Expenses

Failure to maintain sufficient documentation may result in recovery of funds, repayment requirements, or withholding of future funding.