An organization outside higher education that develops, delivers and awards credentials such as certifications, certificates, badges, or proprietary credentials. These providers include private training companies, industry and professional associations, certification bodies, product vendors, bootcamps, and other entities that set standards, assess competencies, offer instruction or learning services, and confer credentials independently of employers or accredited colleges and universities.

Note: Third party training and third-party credential providers refer to who delivers instruction or awards the credential in contrast to employer-led training partnerships which refer to who governs and shapes the training. While these categories often overlap, they are not interchangeable. An employer may lead a program that is delivered by a third party, or a third party may offer training independently without employer involvement. Keeping the concepts distinct helps clarify roles, responsibilities, and the source of quality assurance.

See Topic Brief: Employer-Led Skills Pathways & Workforce Development Initiatives | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library