College, Career, and Workplace Readiness

A DESE-approved Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) is defined as a portable, recognized credential that validates an individual has successfully demonstrated skill competencies in a core set of content and performance standards in a specific set of work-related tasks, single occupational area, or a cluster of related occupational areas.  The IRC assessment must be comprehensive in nature to be considered.

A stackable credential is defined as a series of aligned, recognized, preferred, and/or required credentials (stackable) within an industry or sector that support an individual’s ability to obtain related, career employment.

For reporting purposes IRCs are considered Market Value Assets. Students who have completed an IRC are included in the MVA data.

DESE Certification Website