Credential Registry Guidance · Publishing
Add optional data to credentials
Go beyond the required fields so people can see where a credential is offered, what it costs, what it takes to earn, and what it leads to.
Before you dive in
You don't need to fill in all of these. Most organizations start with the recommended benchmark properties, then add the handful of other fields that answer the questions their learners and partners ask most. You can come back and add more at any time.
The sections below follow the property tabs in the Bulk Upload tool, so you can match what you read here to what you see on screen. (The Process Profile tab doesn't have any fields for credentials, so it isn't covered here.) The same fields are available when you enter a credential manually.
Two labels to watch for in the field lists:
- More than one allowed You can list several values, like several subjects or audiences.
- Links to a published record The field points to another record, like a support service or transfer value, so that record has to be in the Registry before you can link to it.
Optional shortcut
Ask an AI which fields matter for you
Paste this into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or whatever you already use. Edit the bracketed parts for your situation, then copy and send it.
If your AI can't open the link, it'll ask for the field list. The list covers every field on this page, including the ones tucked inside the collapsed sections, grouped the same way they're grouped here, with each field's meaning and notes (like "Links to a published record"). It's long, so if your AI's message box cuts it off, use Download field list and attach the file instead of pasting. Heads up: this list only covers Credential fields. If your goal also touches learning opportunities, assessments, or other record types, say so — a good AI will ask you for those fields separately rather than guess.
Double-check what it suggests before you act on it. Weigh the fields it recommends against what data you actually have on hand, how much time you have to gather more, and what matters most for your goal — treat the answer as a starting point, not a final list.
In the tool: Recommended Benchmark Properties
Start here: recommended benchmark properties
These are the 22 properties Credential Engine recommends for every credential. None are required, but together they cover the basics people look for: where to start, who offers and oversees it, how long it takes, and which jobs and industries it relates to.
Fill these in first, before anything else on this page.
Start with: Available Online At Offered By Estimated Duration Occupation Type
See all 22 recommended benchmark properties
| Field | What it means | Why it's valuable |
|---|---|---|
| Available Online At | Direct URL where someone can start pursuing the credential online. | Gives learners a one-click way to begin, instead of hunting for a start page. |
| Availability Listing | A URL listing in-person locations where the credential can be pursued. | Helps learners who want an in-person option find where to go. |
| Available At | Physical location(s) tied to this credential, referenced by Address ID. | Connects the credential to specific addresses already on file for your organization. |
| Available At Codes | Same as Available At, but referenced by your own external location identifiers. | Lets you reuse identifiers from your own systems instead of Registry Address IDs. |
| Available At Offered By Orgs | Pulls in every address on file for the listed offering organization(s). | Saves you from listing individual addresses when a whole partner organization's locations apply. |
| Offered By | The organization(s) that actually offer the credential, if different from the owner. | Clarifies who delivers the credential when it isn't the owning organization. |
| Accredited By | The organization that accredits the credential. | A recognized quality signal learners and employers look for. |
| Approved By | The organization that formally approves the credential. | Documents an added layer of outside quality assurance. |
| Regulated By | The organization that regulates the credential. | Important context for credentials tied to licensure or regulatory oversight. |
| Recognized By | The organization that recognizes the credential. | Captures industry or professional recognition beyond formal accreditation. |
| Date Effective | The first date the credential was offered. | Shows learners and employers how established the credential is. |
| Keywords | Search terms that help people find this credential. | Improves how easily the credential surfaces in Credential Finder searches. |
| Estimated Duration | How long the credential typically takes to complete. | Lets learners gauge the time commitment before they enroll. |
| Estimated Duration Description | Free-text detail clarifying the estimated duration. | Adds nuance a single number and time scale can't capture, like self-paced ranges. |
| Audience Level Type | The intended audience level (e.g. Beginner, Postsecondary). | Helps learners self-select credentials matched to where they're starting from. |
| Industry Type | Industries the credential applies to, by name. | Connects the credential to the real-world industries employers search by. |
| NAICS List | The same industries, as standardized NAICS codes. | Enables precise, machine-readable matching against labor-market data systems. |
| Occupation Type | Occupations the credential applies to, by name. | Links the credential to the specific job roles learners and employers search by. |
| O*NET List | The same occupations, as standardized O*NET codes. | Enables precise, machine-readable matching against occupational data systems. |
| Has Rubric | A pointer to an existing assessment rubric in the Registry. | Adds transparency about exactly how the credential is assessed. |
| Learning Method Type | How the learning is delivered (seminar, apprenticeship, self-paced, etc). | Tells learners what the actual learning experience will look like. |
| Renewal Frequency | How often the credential must be renewed. | Sets clear expectations for credentials that expire or require upkeep. |
In the tool: Optional Properties
Optional properties
The largest tab, grouped here by what each set of fields helps people learn about the credential. Pick the groups that matter for your credentials and skip the rest.
Help people find it
Fill these in if you want the credential to turn up in more searches and to be matched to programs and industries.
Start with: Alternate Name Subjects CIP List
See all 9 fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Alternate Name | Another name people use for the credential, like an abbreviation, program code, or former name. | More than one allowed |
| Subjects | Educational subjects the credential covers. | More than one allowed |
| Image URL | A web address for an image, icon, or logo that represents the credential, including registered trade or service marks. | |
| Instructional Program Type | The instructional program(s) the credential relates to, by name. | More than one allowed To use official codes instead, use CIP List. |
| CIP List | The same programs as Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. | More than one allowed |
| ISIC Revision 4 Code | The international industry classification (ISIC Rev. 4) code for the credential's industry. | |
| Recognized For Industry | An industry that recognizes this credential. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
| In Catalog | A web page for a catalog or listing that includes this credential. | |
| Same As | Another web page with information about this same credential, like its listing on another site. | More than one allowed |
Who it's for and how it's delivered
Fill these in if you want learners to be able to tell whether the credential fits their situation.
Start with: Audience Type Learning Delivery Type
See all 5 fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Audience Type | Specific groups the credential is meant for, such as veterans, current students, or job seekers. Leave it blank if the credential is for everyone. | More than one allowed Choose from a set list. See the Audience Type options. |
| Learning Delivery Type | How the learning is delivered: in person, online only, blended, synchronous, and so on. | More than one allowed |
| Learning Delivery Description | More detail about how the learning is delivered. | |
| Learning Method Description | A description of how the learning is conducted. Pairs with Learning Method Type in the recommended properties. | |
| Assessment Delivery Type | How any assessment tied to the credential is delivered, using the same options as Learning Delivery Type. | More than one allowed |
What kind of credential it is
Fill these in if your credential has a formal classification that people or systems filter by.
Start with: Is Non-Credit Is Registered Apprenticeship
See all 7 fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Is Non-Credit | Marks the credential as non-credit. | |
| Is Registered Apprenticeship | Marks the credential as a Registered Apprenticeship. | |
| Government Credential Type | A credential type defined by a government or other authority for an official qualification system. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
| At Level | The stage or level this credential represents in a published progression model. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
| Degree Major | The primary field of study. | More than one allowed Degrees only. |
| Degree Minor | A secondary field of study. | More than one allowed Degrees only. |
| Degree Concentration | A focused plan of study within the degree, like Aerospace Engineering within an Engineering degree. | More than one allowed Degrees only. |
Oversight and rights
Fill these in if other organizations play a part in the credential's lifecycle, or you want to say who holds its rights.
Start with: Renewed By Copyright Holder
See all 6 fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Renewed By | The organization that renews the credential. | More than one allowed |
| Revoked By | The organization that can revoke the credential. | More than one allowed |
| Registered By | The organization that registers the credential. | More than one allowed Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, Journeyman, and Master Trade certificates only. |
| Copyright Holder | The organization that holds the copyright for the credential. Often your own organization. | More than one allowed |
| Process Standards | A web page describing the criteria, standards, or requirements used in the credential's processes. | |
| Process Standards Description | The same criteria, standards, or requirements, described in text. |
How it connects to other things
Fill these in once the related records are published, to link them to this credential.
Start with: Included Credentials Has Support Service
See all 5 fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Included Credentials | Other credentials that are part of this one, like stackable certificates within a degree. | More than one allowed Can point to a published credential, or just name one. |
| Has Support Service | Support services available to people pursuing this credential. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
| Uses Verification Service | A verification service used to confirm someone holds this credential. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
| Receives Transfer Value From | A transfer value this credential receives credit from. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
| Provides Transfer Value For | A transfer value this credential provides credit toward. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
Identifiers and versions
Fill these in if you track codes or versions for your credentials, or if this credential replaces an older one.
Start with: Identifier Supersedes
See all 8 fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Identifier | An ID for the credential from another system or scheme, like a state or internal program code. | More than one allowed |
| Credential Id | A globally unique ID used to recognize the credential in digital credential exchanges, like a badge or verifiable credential. | |
| Version Identifier | An ID for this version of the credential. | More than one allowed |
| Latest Version | A web page for the latest version of the credential. | |
| Previous Version | A web page for the version that came right before this one. | |
| Next Version | A web page for the version that comes right after this one. | |
| Supersedes | A web page for the older credential this one replaces. | |
| Superseded By | A web page for the newer credential that replaces this one. |
In the tool: Condition Profile Properties
Requirements and recommendations
A condition profile describes what someone needs to earn or keep the credential: required courses, other credentials, experience, credits, and so on. A credential can have more than one, for example one for what's required and another for what's recommended. Each one needs a Condition Type.
Fill these in if earning the credential involves specific steps or prerequisites that learners need to plan around.
Start with: Condition Type Description Target Learning Opportunity
See all fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Condition Type | What kind of condition this is: Requires, Recommends, Renewal (what it takes to renew), Corequisite (pursued at the same time), or Co-Prerequisite (completed before or at the same time). | |
| Name, Description, Subject Webpage | A label for the condition, a plain-language explanation, and a web page with details. | |
| Target Credential, Target Assessment, Target Learning Opportunity | The credentials, assessments, or courses and programs someone must complete. | More than one allowed Can point to a published record, or just name one. |
| Target Occupation, Target Job | Occupations or jobs tied to the condition. Target Occupation is a general occupation, like Computer User Support Specialist; Target Job is a specific job, like a role at a particular employer. | More than one allowed Can point to a published record, or just name one. |
| Required Competency Framework, Target Competencies | Competencies someone must demonstrate: a whole framework, or specific competencies from one. Use one or the other, not both. | More than one allowed Links to a published record |
| Simple Target Competency | Competencies described in plain text, when they aren't published as part of a framework. | More than one allowed |
| Condition Items | Other requirements in plain language, like a driver's license or English proficiency. | More than one allowed |
| Submission Of Items, Submission Of Description | What someone must submit, like proof of a high school diploma, as links or a description. | More than one allowed |
| Experience, Years Of Experience | The kind and amount of work or other experience required. | |
| Credit Value, Credit Unit Type Description | The number and type of credits required, including a minimum and maximum if there's a range. | |
| Audience Type, Audience Level Type | Who this set of conditions applies to, when requirements differ by group. | More than one allowed Audience Type uses the same set list as the Audience Type field above. |
| Alternative Condition | Two or more alternative paths, any one of which meets this condition. | More than one allowed |
| Asserted By | The organization stating this condition. | Links to a published record Only needed if it's not the organization that owns the credential. |
| Affiliation | An organization someone must be formally connected to through work, study, or membership. | Links to a published record |
| Condition Excludes | Something that does not count toward meeting this condition. |
In the tool: Financial Assistance Properties
Financial assistance
Describe scholarships, grants, loans, or benefits that can help someone pay for the credential. Each one needs a name, plus a description or a web page.
Fill these in if learners can get help paying for the credential.
Start with: Name Type Value
See all fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Name, Description, Subject Webpage | What the assistance is called, plus a description or a web page with details (at least one of the two). | |
| Type | The kind of assistance, like a Pell Grant, WIOA funding, a GI Bill benefit, a scholarship, or a loan. | More than one allowed |
| For Type | What the assistance can be used for, like tuition or application fees. | More than one allowed |
| Value | The amount of assistance or a range, with its currency. Can be just a description instead. |
In the tool: Cost Properties
Costs
Describe what the credential costs, when those costs are specific to this credential. For costs your organization applies to many credentials, see Common Costs above.
Fill these in if you want learners to see the cost of the credential before they commit.
Start with: Types List Currency Type Details
See all fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Types List | Each kind of cost with its price, like tuition and an application fee. | More than one allowed |
| Currency Type | The currency the prices are in. | |
| Details | A web page with full cost details. | |
| Description | A plain-language summary of the costs. | |
| Residency Type | Whether the costs depend on residency: in-state, out-of-state, local, regional, or international. | Applies to every cost in the profile. |
| Audience Type | Who the costs apply to, when costs differ by group. | Applies to every cost in the profile. Uses the same set list as the Audience Type field above. |
| Condition Items | Conditions for the costs, in plain language. | More than one allowed |
In the tool: Connection Properties
What it leads to and builds on
A connection profile describes how this credential relates to others: what it prepares someone for, what it gives advanced standing toward, or what it's required for. Each one needs a Connection Type and a description.
Fill these in if your credential is part of a pathway, or counts toward something else.
Start with: Connection Type Description Target Credential
See all fields
| Field | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | The relationship: Is Preparation For, Preparation From, Advanced Standing For, Advanced Standing From, Is Required For, Is Recommended For, Corequisite, or Co-Prerequisite. | |
| Name, Description | A label and plain-language explanation of the connection. The description is required. | |
| Target Credential, Target Assessment, Target Learning Opportunity | The credential, assessment, or course or program on the other end of the connection. | More than one allowed Can point to a published record, or just name one. |
| Target Occupation, Target Job | An occupation or job on the other end of the connection. Target Occupation is a general occupation, like Computer User Support Specialist; Target Job is a specific job, like a role at a particular employer. | More than one allowed Can point to a published record, or just name one. |
| Condition Items | Conditions for the connection, in plain language. | More than one allowed |
| Credit Unit Type, Credit Unit Value, Credit Value Description | Credit awarded through the connection, for example credit granted toward a degree. |
Not sure which fields fit your credentials? Email the Publishing team at publishing@credentialengine.org.