Credentials of Value

Tennessee is dedicated to transforming the high school experience by ensuring that every student has access to high-quality postsecondary credentials that pave the way for academic achievement and career success. By aligning secondary and postsecondary education with the needs of today’s labor market, the state is equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to smoothly transition into high-demand careers and thrive in the workforce.

To bring this vision to life, the Tennessee Department of Education (department), the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) are collaborating to streamline credential lists, standardize language, and align credential offerings with in-demand occupations. This collaboration ensures that the credentials available to Tennessee high school students meet industry standards and position them for long-term success in both postsecondary and career.

Beyond simply aligning credentials with workforce needs, the specific skills and competencies that students develop through earning industry-recognized credentials will be identified. By mapping these skills, Tennessee is providing students, educators, and employers with a clear understanding of the value and relevance of these credentials.

Through these efforts, Tennessee is empowering students to leave high school prepared with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to excel in postsecondary education and the workforce. This transformation aims to remove barriers to postsecondary attainment, increase workforce engagement, and ensure that Tennessee’s future workforce is equipped to meet the evolving demands and needs of the state’s economy.

Tennessee is dedicated to sustaining this progress by promoting ongoing collaboration and continuously enhancing its efforts. Regularly updating credential lists, staying attuned to labor market trends, and refining credential offerings will help ensure that students continue to have access to the most relevant and valuable credentials. Through this sustained commitment, Tennessee is building a stronger, more inclusive education-to-career pipeline that benefits students, employers, and communities across the state.