The power of workforce data integration: adding credentials to the mix.

• Author: Rogers, Carol O.

Measuring the workforce outcomes of secondary and postsecondary education has been a leading focus in the establishment of state longitudinal data systems for many years. This work and the catalytic funding provided by the federal government to help build, strengthen and extend these systems has created a critical infrastructure that can help lead to better education and training decisions by students, parents, teachers, workers, policymakers and the funders of these programs and institutions.

But certain gaps exist in the types of workers and their education as measured by many of these systems--chief among them, credentials. Credentials can be obtained with specialized training available through colleges, proprietary training providers, apprenticeships and sometimes through self-learning. Such credentials, either licenses or certifications or permits, can span professional and occupational services from barbering to cremation specialists. Other credentials, such as licenses to practice medicine, law or teaching, are required in addition to college degrees in order to practice in a particular state.

There is a broad array of credentials required and regulated by states. Information is sometimes available through federal agencies and associations detailing which occupations are regulated and by which specific state agencies. Many states have or are moving toward a single, one-stop agency, but many still require individuals seeking an occupational license or certification to apply to a specific board or commission for that profession, of which there are often dozens.

According to the Council of State Governments, many states are considering compacts that can legally recognize another state's licenses, particularly relating to health care professions, as a way to create greater efficiencies for both the agency and the applicants. Such compacts have the potential to ease transferability of such licenses and allow for greater mobility among health care professionals.

The Indiana Experience

Nearly one in seven people working in Indiana have a professional or occupational license, according to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). That agency serves as an umbrella organization for more than 35 boards, commissions, committees and licensing bodies, such as the Medical Licensing Board and the Indiana Real Estate Commission. It regulates more than 70 professional licenses including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, dentists...