ICE creates an important community of peers, where you can learn, connect and explore the latest trends and technology alongside credentialing professionals who have similar goals. Hear from long time member, James Austin about the value he receives from his involvement with ICE.

Name: James T. Austin, PhD
Title: Program Lead for CETE Assessment Services
Organization: Center on Education and Training for Employment, College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University               
Years in the Field: 30 total, 17 in credentialing

Why did you become involved in the credentialing industry and how did you get started in the field?

Around 2005, my colleagues and I realized that our workforce development projects were missing a large component — credentialing — in our capabilities to deliver a suite of services. Working in career-technical Education and industry-based training, we decided to add credentialing to be more complete in our capability and be able to provide assistance with certification and accreditation.

In addition, our niche in those workforce development areas provides us with an advantage when working with certifications for skilled trades.

What advice do you have for those just starting out in their credentialing career?

Learn more about credentialing through certificate courses (Certificate Program for the Credentialing Specialist, etc.). Attend the ICE Exchange and visit the Innovation Hall to talk to vendors to see what they offer and how it changes over time. 

What lessons/positive experiences have you taken away from being a member of ICE?

Most importantly, it’s the sense of community that I’ve noticed at the organizational and individual levels.

What is your most valuable member benefit?

Certification: The ICE Handbook and various resources (including the RFP Library).  

Tell us about the value you receive from ICE.

I learn from the presentations and posters at the conference, and from talking to other vendors.

I also learn from reviewing and working with the various standards, specifically the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs and the ICE 1100 standard for assessment-based certificates (recently revised).                  

ICE membership is your first step toward staying connected to the credentialing community. Learn more about ICE membership and hear from other members about their experience with the organization.