HERNDON, Va. (PRWEB) September 13, 2018
The International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET) today announced a new partnership with digital credential leader Credly. Through the collaboration, IACET will utilize Credly’s web-based platform to create and issue its own digital credential affirming accreditation of its member organizations which have met the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training.
Digital badges offer one-click, real-time verification of an individual’s learning outcomes and showcase the complete body of work required to obtain recognition. Forge-proof metadata built into the badge includes who earned it, who issued it and when, and if and when the credential expires. Credly’s technology also accommodates validation of standards compliance and linkage to supporting evidence.
“Learning doesn’t end with an individual’s completion of a formal education,” notes Joe McClary, CEO of IACET, who continued, “Professional development and industry-specific education is a lifelong journey that begins when one enters the workforce. That’s where our member organizations devote countless dollars and expertise in developing and delivering education that cultivates industry experts, in whatever industry they reside.”
In fact, IACET member companies endure a rigorous application and assessment process conducted by the IACET Commission, an independent accreditation body within the organization. The Commission ensures that the coursework and training comply with all measures of its ANSI/IACET 1-2018 standard and also renews accreditation, which requires the member organizations to meet renewal benchmarks as well as evolve their content in response to an ever-changing business environment.
According to Jonathan Finkelstein, Founder and CEO of Credly, “Our work is rooted in a commitment to empowering individuals to connect outcomes from lifelong learning to career opportunities. IACET’s institutional members are a gateway to millions of individuals in the workforce who embrace professional development, and our collaboration is a model for other accrediting organizations looking to drive impact at scale in the labor market.”
McClary added, “Continuing education has little value if it cannot be appropriately leveraged by its earners to raise their professional profile and cultivate significant opportunities for career advancement. A grouping of letters representing an accreditation or certification has no value if it’s not generally known what those letters represent, or if the credential is still valid. This is why IACET is excited about the ability to move our accreditation into the digital mainstream.”
Through the partnership, IACET will benefit as an issuer inside Credly’s digital badging ecosystem. That ecosystem includes thousands of colleges and universities, major corporations, and associations which collectively issue millions of badges recognizing educational outcomes spanning the sciences, arts, technology, engineering, education, healthcare and medicine, construction, the environment, and more.
Inside that ecosystem, millions of individuals share their badges on social media platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. This sharing activity cultivates awareness and offers transparency in the global public domain about professional development opportunities and industry-specific certifications. Additionally, IACET members can license Credly’s technology at a discounted fee to create and distribute digital credentials to those enrolled in their own continuing education programs.
IACET members interested in using Credly’s technology to issue digital credentials should contact Amy Starchville, IACET Membership Manager at (703) 763-0705 ext 105 or visit IACET’s website at http://IACET.org/credly-acclaim for special member benefits.
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About Credly
Credly is the leading digital credential provider, helping the world recognize lifelong achievement with the most popular platforms for verifying, sharing, and managing digital credentials and badges. The enterprise-class system allows organizations to officially verify skills and competencies; distribute portable and secure digital credentials and open badges; and gain actionable data and insights. Thousands of education institutions, industry associations, employers and workforce development programs use Credly to make achievements visible.
About IACET
The mission of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training is to advance the global workforce by providing the standard framework for quality learning and development through accreditation. https://www.iacet.org/