Short-term credentials are awards or certifications earned through programs or training that usually require less than one year to complete. They differ from degrees in duration and focus, emphasizing specific, job-aligned skills. Short-term credential programs typically run from 8-15 weeks.  They are often part of workforce reskilling or upskilling initiatives and may be offered by community colleges, employers, or training providers.

Short-term credentials may include licenses issued by state or federal governments, certificates awarded by postsecondary institutions, and certifications awarded by industry organizations. The credentials validate specific occupational skills or competencies. They are often designed to quickly prepare individuals for employment or career advancement and may be credit-bearing or noncredit, stackable toward degrees, or stand-alone.

Short-term credentials are often earned after short-term training and can be stackable. Worker-learners can access federal student loans for short-term programs under the Higher Education Act.

The term encompasses both short-term programs and short-term training that lead to a credentialed outcome.

See Topic Brief: Short-term Credentials, Short-term Training | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library

Alternate terms: Microcredentials, stackable credentials, skills credentials