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Credential Attainment (CA) Rate

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34 CFR §361.155(a)(1)(iv)

The percentage of participants enrolled in an education or training program (excluding on-the-job training and customized training) who attain a recognized postsecondary credential or secondary school diploma or equivalent during participation in, or within one year of, exit from the program.

A participant who has attained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent is included in the percentage of participants who have attained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent only if the participant also is employed or is enrolled in an education or training program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential within one year after exit from the program.

Things to Know

  • Credential attainment supports the intent of WIOA and the VR regulations to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to participate in job-driven training and to pursue high quality employment outcomes.
  • Credential attainment can close the opportunity gap by embracing a more holistic and nuanced approach for connecting diverse talent (e.g., individuals with disabilities) to economic opportunity.
  • Aligning policies and procedures among core programs in a state will strengthen the intent and accuracy of credential reporting. Remember, states with a General VR agency and a Blind VR agency represent title IV together.
  • VR agencies must develop strategies and procedures to assist VR Counselors in determining if and when a training or education program leads to a credential as defined by WIOA.
  • Credentials are documented when they are achieved by the participant, not the date the VR Counselor received the supporting documentation.
  • The Credential Attainment Rate includes participants who exited the VR program during the previous calendar year.
  • On-the-job training (OJT) and customized training are not included in the Credential Attainment Rate because these types of training programs do not typically lead to a credential.

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