Non-degree Credentials Research Network (NCRN)

Overview

The Non-Degree Credentials Research Network (NCRN), a project of the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP), is a multi-disciplinary community of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who focus on the role of certificates, certifications, and other non-degree credentials in the labor market. Network members come from higher education institutions, research firms, and nonprofit organizations. They study various types of non-degree credentialing, including licenses, certifications, certificates, apprenticeships, and micro-credentials. 

The Non-degree Credential Network aims to:

• Create a collaborative network of researchers with expertise on the distribution, production, consumption, use, and value of non-degree workforce credentials.
• Assess the current state of knowledge about non-degree credentials, map existing research, and identify needs and opportunities for new research.
• Produce an annual synthesis of what is learned about non-degree credentials, including recommendations for educational and workforce development practice and policy.
• Communicate effectively the lessons learned about non-degree credentials to practitioners and policymakers, as well as the broader research community.

NCRN offers a variety of resources to members and the public, including webinars, a monthly newsletter, research reports, literature reviews, mini-research grants, a Zotero reference library, one to two in-person meetings annually,  and opportunities to comment on federal legislation related to non-degree credentials.

Relationship to Ecosystem

NCRN studies non-degree credentialing—including licenses, industry-awarded certifications, certificates, apprenticeships, and microcredentials—and provides relevant information to the learn-and-work ecosystem regarding what credentials are being offered and their value in the labor market.

See Also

To learn more about research published by NCRN, and to access its literature scan and citation library, visit the Member Resources page of the network website.