The Future of Credentialing: Preparing Credentialing Professionals for Change

As the new board chair for the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.), I am honored to represent I.C.E. in enhancing the value of credentialing organizations through accreditation, advocacy, education, innovation, research and standards.

It is a volatile time for our industry. Credentialing organizations, consumers and industry providers are grappling with forces of disruptive change. Transformation is happening in education and the workforce. There is growing political polarization. A distrust of institutions is contributing to decreasing enrollment among public colleges. New competitors are venturing into credentialing. These are just some of the forces which have led to increasing pressure on the credentialing field.

Recognizing the growing demand on credentialing organizations, the I.C.E. Board is prioritizing key findings from the Future of Credentialing (FoC) study into strategic discussions. We remain steadfast in focusing on long-term strategies that will provide credentialing professionals with best practice knowledge and the resources to effectively serve their industries.

I could not be in a better place at a better time as an I.C.E. organizational member and volunteer leader. In 2022, I served as an advisory member for the Future of Credentialing study, where I applied critical thinking and industry experience to help guide the research. More importantly, by collaborating with a group of executive peers, consultants and I.C.E. staff, I broadened my own understanding of the credentialing ecosystem. I challenged my assumptions, recognizing that with emerging workforce demands and social trends may come changes in policies and traditional practices. I began to think seriously about how to inform and prepare my organization’s board for changes to come.

At the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), we believe that an effective board is a trained board. We have a duty to ensure that the board is informed of internal and external threats and opportunities to perform their fiduciary role in safeguarding the organization. The approaches shared in this message are intended to help you introduce and prepare your leadership for the future of credentialing.

1. Leverage findings from the FoC report by embracing a growth mindset. Every challenge opens the door to new experiences and potential opportunities for your stakeholders. Credentialing professionals should regularly scan for emerging issues and anticipate the impact. I.C.E. has given us a jumpstart through the FoC Report.
2. Add the FoC Report to your toolbox. Examine the change drivers discussed in the report to start thinking about how your organization might be affected. How might your organization actively engage organizational leadership, staff, members, certificants, clients and peers to evaluate, plan for and create opportunities?
3. Pick the right time for your organization. If competing work priorities are present, consult with board and staff leadership to determine when to release the FoC report. Allow adequate time to digest the information.
4. Support the board in their learning of emerging changes to the credentialing industry. Facilitate board discussions on the three change drivers examined in the report: credentials under pressure, government and credentials and technology innovation.
5. Establish a team to assess the FoC report more deeply. This team can identify opportunities to leverage untapped potential in your organization, helping meet the changing needs of your industry. Think about how the study’s findings compare to your existing strategic plan. Examine your organizational priorities by considering how each change driver might influence current practices.
6. Discuss what’s been achieved in your organization. What value do you bring to your credential holders and other stakeholders? Reaffirm why your organization exists. What change drivers might compromise your organization’s purpose?
7. Determine your organization’s capabilities to help you make long-term plans and sound decisions in a changing marketplace. Consider the products and services you provide, your reputation, customer service, financial resources and digital infrastructure as primary areas of focus. Determine if you have engaged, dedicated volunteers and staff who find meaning in their work and are open to opportunities for advancing the profession. Identify how your organization will prepare financially and operationally for challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. Reflect on past leadership approaches and consider new normal essentials required to succeed in a future of credentialling workplace.

To deliver greater value to the industry, credentialing professionals will need to muster the tools to redesign their organization’s future. I.C.E. is preparing us for potential changes ahead. Get started by accessing the Future of Credentialing Report, and discover the value of other resources offered by I.C.E.