ARM 24.22.405. INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL CREDIT EVALUATION

(1) The department reviews industry-recognized credentials against a combination of eligibility factors, requiring that multiple, but not all, of the following factors be satisfied: (a) demonstrated connection to higher-level credentials that deepen industry knowledge; (b) aligns with in-demand occupations and sectors across the state; (c) widely recognized by industry employers, for example by showing that the credential is regularly listed as a required or preferred qualification in job openings; (d) addresses existing skill gaps and identifies new or emerging occupations; (e) accredited by an independent third party; (f) displays evidence of employment in an occupation with average entry level wages of at least 80 percent of the statewide average wage; (g) accessible to various populations for industry advancement; (h) available as a registered apprenticeship through the department; (i) evidence that a student has a job offer from an employer contingent upon completion of the credential. (2) The department assigns credit value for an industry-recognized credential against a combination, but not all are required, of the following factors: (a) quality of the proposed curriculum; (b) aligns with in-demand occupations as indicated by the department’s employment projections and statewide workforce goals; (c) demonstrates proficiency related to industry skills; (d) evidence of strong assessment procedures; (e) progress toward apprenticeship or further certification; (f) amount of time and effort required for completion.