This document discusses credentials in clean energy fields and quality indicators for certificate programs. It provides an overview of different types of credentials like certification and licensure. Quality indicators for certificate programs include input from stakeholders, alignment of objectives and assessments, qualified faculty, and program evaluation. National trends favor industry-linked, competency-based credentials. The IREC accreditation provides third-party validation of clean technology training programs and confirms the training matches industry competencies. IREC accreditation signals a program's technical expertise and is valued by employers and government agencies.

1. Key
Credible Credentials
Coming of Age
Jane Weissman
January 29, 2014
AACC WDI Conference
SEED Workshop

2. Self
declaration
Second-Party
Endorsements
Credentialing
Programs
Adherence to
Best Practices
Third-Party
Conformity
Assessment
Degrees of Assessment

3. CREDENTIALING
FRAMEWORK
Certification
Certificate
Licensing
Accreditation

4. Certification Certificate
Results from an assessment
process
Results from an educational
process
Typically requires some
amount of professional
experience
For both newcomers and
experienced professionals
Awarded by a third-party,
standard-setting organization
Awarded by training and
educational programs or
institutions
Indicates mastery/competency Indicates completion of a
course (s)
Standards set through a
defensible, formal process
Course content set a variety of
ways
Has on-going requirements to
maintain
Is the end result
Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management
August 13, 2008 Memo

5. • Balanced stakeholders that provide on-going systematic input
• Job task analysis or other content standard
• Certificate and training is industry recognized
• Certificate holds market value
• Program prerequisites
• Alignment of learning objectives with assessments
• Criterion-referenced assessments of the learner
• Qualified faculty
• Available resources to support learning
• Program evaluation
• Policies that guide program decisions, including due process
INDICATORS OF QUALITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

6. Market
Value
Linkage with
Industry Current &
Relevant Job
Task Analysis
Curriculum
Supports
Occupational
Competencies

7. National Trends
 Airtime for credentialing
 Competency-based credentials
 Proof of quality
 Industry linked
 Relevant & Current
 Alternative & Informal Learning

8. Corporation for a
Skilled Workforce
Making a Market for
Competency-Based Credentials
ANSI & GW Institute of
Public Policy
Credentialing Standards
ANSI EESCC Road Map
Chapter on
Workforce Credentials
ACT Foundation
Hiring for Competency/
Quality of Credentials
U.S. DOE Better Buildings
Workforce Guidelines
Job Task Analyses
Single Family
Multi Family
Commercial Buildings
IREC’s Certificate Standard
&
ANSI IREC Accreditation
National Activities

9. Training
Accreditation
Trainer
Certification
Company
Accreditation
Work Specs
Practitioner
Certification

10.  Market value
 Linkage with industry
 Systematic program plan
 Management system
 Student attainment of learning
objectives
 Technology specific content
reviewed
Standard covers clean energy technologies
and practices including renewable energy,
energy efficiency, distributed renewable
energy generation, and other sustainability
practices.

11. IREC 14732 Quality Framework
Program
Management
Technical Content
Educational
Processes
Providing safeguards for consumers, industry and government

12. IREC Accreditation
• Demonstrates third-party validation of clean
technology training
• Confirms training is matched to industry-defined
competencies
• Valued by employers and government agencies
• Showcases training program with national recognition
• Provides an edge for enrollment, marketing and
educational strategies
• Signals high level of technical training expertise
• Displays a hard-earned seal of approval

13. The Big “WHY”
Clean Energy
Promotes
stronger
and
lasting
markets
Good
training
teaches
the right
skill sets
that leads to
Better
and
safer
workmanship
which boosts
Consumer
Acceptance

14. www.irecusa.org
Visit us at Booth #20