If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of credentials out there, you’re not alone. Certificates, licenses, bootcamps, apprenticeships—today’s learning landscape is crowded, and not all credentials are created equal. Some open doors. Others don’t move the needle at all.
That’s where the Credential Value Index (CVI) comes in. Developed by the Burning Glass Institute, the CVI is a free, open-access tool designed to help us see which credentials actually lead to better outcomes for workers. For those of us in workforce development, it’s one of the clearest windows yet into the real-world value of non-degree credentials.
👉 You can explore the tool directly at www.credentialvalueindex.org.
What the CVI Does
The CVI looks at more than 23,000 non-degree credentials across the U.S.—everything from industry certifications to apprenticeships. Using data from the career histories of 65 million workers (about 40% of the U.S. workforce), it measures what really matters: wages, career advancement, job transitions, and skill development.
And here’s the kicker: despite the massive credential marketplace (over 1.1 million credentials available nationwide), the CVI shows that only about one in eight result in meaningful wage gains. That’s a sobering statistic—but also an empowering one. It gives us and the people we serve the information needed to choose wisely.
What the Data Shows
The data itself tells a compelling story. For the highest-value credentials:
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Workers see nearly $5,000 in wage gains.
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They are 17 times more likely to advance in their careers.
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And seven times more likely to make a successful job change into a role aligned with their training.
In short: the right credential can make a big difference. But the wrong one can waste time, money, and opportunity.
Why This Matters for Workforce Professionals
For us in workforce development, the CVI is more than just another data tool—it’s a way to better serve our communities.
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For jobseekers: We can give clearer advice, pointing people toward credentials that lead to actual results rather than guesswork.
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For agencies and funders: It helps direct investments to programs with proven impact.
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For employers: It makes it easier to identify and prioritize candidates with credentials that truly signal value.
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For educators: It provides insight into which programs are worth scaling and which may need rethinking.
A Step Toward Transparency
The beauty of the CVI is that it cuts through the noise. By focusing on outcomes, it shifts the conversation from “Which credential sounds impressive?” to “Which credential actually works?”
As workforce development professionals, that shift is critical. We’re trusted guides in helping workers and communities navigate a labor market that’s only growing more complex. Tools like the CVI give us the evidence we need to back up our guidance and ensure the advice we provide leads to tangible opportunity.
Moving Forward
The CVI is already being used in policy discussions, employer systems, and career navigation tools. For IAWP members, it’s worth exploring how this resource can strengthen the work you do—whether that’s advising a jobseeker, shaping a training program, or advocating for funding decisions.
The takeaway is simple: not all credentials are equal. But with the right information, we can help people invest their time and resources where it counts—and in doing so, we can make a lasting impact on careers and communities.
👉 Explore the Credential Value Index at www.credentialvalueindex.org and see how it can support your work.