6 Themes Influencing Credentialing in 2024
Over the past year, Credentialing Insights contributors have explored a wide range of key topics and shared their insights with our community. We invite you to revisit our most-read articles of 2023, which address six themes critical to credentialing professionals to guide the year ahead.
1. The Value and Impact of Our Field
Future-Proofing Certification by Dale R. Cyr, MBA, CAE, Bill West, MBA, ICE-CCP and Dave Wilcox
Professional certifications have had a significant global impact on education, workforce development and employment practices. However, with the value of educational degrees now being questioned, the same could occur in the future for certifications. Learn how to "future-proof" your certification practice.
Measuring the Value of Certification: Part 1 — A Practical Guide by Sarah Carroll, PhD
Credentialing bodies are under increasing pressure from various education, workforce and societal trends, making it important to demonstrate the value and relevance of their credentials to stakeholders. In part one of this series, discover key steps to conducting a Value of Certification (VoC) study, with insight into stakeholder views and uncovering areas for improvement.
2. Declining Pass Rates
Declining Pass Rates: It’s Not the Test, It’s the Candidates by Jennifer Banek, MEd, ICE-CCP
With the decline in examination pass rates, many organizations are wondering what action to take, if any. Should exams be reexamined, or passing scores lowered? In this hypothetical story, explore the options and perhaps find a new perspective.
Evaluating Declining Pass Rates: Looking Beyond the Numbers by Chad Buckendahl, PhD, ICE-CCP
Are declining pass rates a long-term trend, or a blip of the pandemic? Despite the disruption caused by these observed changes, credentialing programs must stay well-informed on potential causes and determine strategies to move their organizations forward.
3. Exam Security
Establishing a Firewall Between an Exam and Its Preparation Materials by Linda K. Anguish, SPHR
The purpose of a professional credentialing program is to recognize those who meet established knowledge, skills or competencies for a particular profession, occupation, role or specialty area. Maintaining a clear separation, or “firewall,” between a certification/licensure program and any education or training function is critical to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest and also protects the integrity of the credential for those who earn it.
Navigating Security in the Changing Landscape of Exam Delivery by Chris Glacken
Remote exam delivery moved the testing environment from a controlled testing center to anywhere with a computer and working internet connection, multiplying the security risks associated with testing. Get an inside look at the major risks associated with remote testing and tips for mitigating them.
4. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Embedding DEI in the Test Development Process by Vicki Gremelsbacker
Organizations are increasingly becoming interested in and looking for ways to improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. This overview takes a look at how to embed DEI considerations into various stages of examination development.
Aligning Credentialing Assessment Practices With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by Amin Saiar, PhD
DEI is a widespread interest for I.C.E. members, but knowing how to implement this important work can be a challenge. I.C.E. DEI Task Force alum Amir Saiar, PhD, shares his key takeaways for credentialing professionals looking to incorporate DEI in a meaningful way.
5. Candidate Experience
Improving the Candidate Experience by Johnna Gueorguieva, PhD, ICE-CCP, CAE, Nick Soto, CAE and Bill West, MBA, ICE-CCP
A certification candidate’s positive customer service experience is critical to a program’s reputation and bottom line. Learning how to improve the candidate’s experience can have a huge impact on the success of the credential and your organization — explore examples and strategies in this deep-dive.
6. Job-Task Analysis
New Research Study: Job Analysis by Kirk Becker, PhD, Matt Ferris, MA, MBA, CAE, ELS, Tim Muckle, PhD, ICE-CCP and Pooja Shivraj, PhD
Job analysis is an important part of the validity argument for credentialing programs. The Job Analysis Research Study reports on the survey of industry practices conducted by the I.C.E. Research and Development Committee, and begins to document the approaches of credentialing organizations to job analysis, evaluating common industry practices and exploring new technologies that may be applied to job analysis.