Credential Transparency and the Future of Work with Scott Cheney

On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Scott Cheney, CEO of Credential Engine, to discuss the evolving landscape of credentials and their vital role in shaping our future workforce. They delve into the complexities of a skills-based economy, the challenges of translating diverse experiences into recognized credentials, and the crucial need for transparency and common standards in education and employment data.

• The Problem of a Confusing Marketplace: With nearly a million unique credentials offered by some 60,000 providers in the U.S., individuals face a daunting task in understanding how to acquire the skills needed for career advancement. Credential Engine aims to simplify this by putting all information into a common, accessible format.
• Beyond Traditional Credentials: The conversation highlights that a credential is any recognition of skills, from a high school diploma to a PhD, including apprenticeships, micro-credentials, and badges. A significant challenge lies in helping the 37 million adults with some college but no degree articulate their skills in the marketplace.
• The Power of Interoperability and Transparency: Cheney emphasizes the importance of interoperability—ensuring that a skill defined by one institution is understood consistently by another. This is achieved through the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL), an open-source framework that standardizes information about credentials, skills, pathways, and outcomes.
• Navigating the AI Revolution: While AI offers immense potential for personalizing educational and career pathways, Cheney expresses concern about the quality of data currently feeding AI tools in the marketplace. The goal is to ensure that AI utilizes trusted, verifiable, structured data to truly empower individuals.
• A Bipartisan and Collaborative Effort: Credential Engine's work spans over 30 states and involves bipartisan discussions in Congress, underscoring a broad recognition of the need for greater transparency in education and workforce development. This is an ecosystem play, requiring collaboration from institutions, policymakers, and technology vendors to truly transform how individuals navigate their educational and career journeys.

If you're interested in the future of education, workforce development, and how technology can bridge the gap between skills and opportunities, this episode is a must-listen. Scott Cheney provides a clear and compelling vision for a more transparent and navigable credentialing ecosystem, offering insights into how standardized data and thoughtful policy can empower individuals and strengthen the economy. Learn why making sense of skills and credentials is as crucial as having reliable GPS for navigating your daily commute.

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:38 Scott Cheney's Professional Journey

03:16 Understanding Credential Engine

06:03 The Importance of Credentials and Skills

08:48 Interoperability and Standardization

13:39 Credential Transparency and Policy Advocacy

18:06 AI and the Future of Credentials

27:22 Blockchain and Global Credentialing

30:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action