In their 2024 legislative sessions, state lawmakers enacted more than 70 bills on workforce development and postsecondary education. To better align education systems to support the needs of students and employers, lawmakers considered issues related to the quality, affordability and promotion of nondegree credential options for learners. In addition, interest in skills-based hiring accelerated, with at least 20 states currently reevaluating degree requirements for state positions.
Evaluating Quality
State lawmakers continue to examine the quality of nondegree credential offerings. Colorado passed legislation (SB 143) that requires numerous state agencies to evaluate nondegree credentials offered through state-recognized programs to ensure the credentials meet quality standards. Programs that meet the standards will be included in a credential registry. The law recognizes the Quality Nondegree Credentials Framework, created by 2022 legislation (SB 192), as the primary tool for assessing nondegree offerings. The framework cites demand, evidence of skills, employment outcomes and “stackability”—the idea that credentials build on each other and create a progression of learning—as the primary signals of quality for nondegree credentials.
Virginia passed legislation (HB 1345) requiring the state Board of Education to maintain a list of industry-recognized workforce credentials. The list must be developed in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, local career and technical education directors and relevant industry partners.
Supporting Affordability
State policymakers continue to play a key role in developing financial aid programs to help students earn nondegree credentials.
Oklahoma (HB 3792; 2023) created the Access and Achievement Scholarship to help students with intellectual disabilities to pursue postsecondary education, including nondegree credential options. Washington (HB 2236; 2023) expanded career and technical education, or CTE, programs, including one for students pursuing industry-recognized nondegree credentials in the allied health professions.
Idaho passed legislation (SB 1359) to expand its Advanced Opportunities Program, which helps students in grades 7-12 to pursue dual credits, college-credit or certification exams, and workforce training programs. The measure provides an additional $500 per student and removes caps on the amount of funding that can be spent on CTE programs, workforce courses, and apprenticeships.
Georgia enacted legislation (SB 497; 2023) to expand offerings in its High Demand Apprenticeship Program. The law will allow up to 10 apprentices per employer to receive up to $5,000 in financial awards. Priority will be given to apprentices between the ages of 15 and 21 or who are enrolled in adult education programs.
A Washington law (HB 2236; 2023) creates an allied health professions career and technical education program for students pursuing industry-recognized nondegree credentials.
Promotion of Nondegree Credential Options
States continued their efforts to integrate nondegree options into their larger postsecondary and career-training ecosystems. Florida passed legislation (HB 917) requiring the state Department of Education to convene a work group to identify pathways for middle schoolers transitioning to high school or post-secondary career and technical education programs.
The law also requires the Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help to coordinate with state agencies and CareerSource Florida Inc. to publish a CTE education asset map. The map will inform workforce and industry stakeholders of opportunities to partner and expand CTE in the state. Among other things, the map will compare existing CTE offerings, funding and outcomes, including credential attainment, with data on industry demand and statewide economic needs.
Virginia passed a law (HB 1345) requiring the state Board of Education, in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, to develop and maintain a current, comprehensive and uniform list of industry-recognized workforce credentials. The list must indicate which industry-recognized workforce credentials students may take as a substitute for elective credits.
Skills-Based Hiring
The popularity of skills-based hiring continued to accelerate in 2024, with Idaho joining at least 20 other states in eliminating degree requirements for public sector jobs. The public and private sectors are finding ways to screen candidates for competencies, skills and experiences in lieu of college degrees. These efforts can help ensure that learners who gain skills through alternative routes, such as certificate programs, military job training or workforce training programs, are considered for open roles.
Andrew Smalley is a senior policy specialist in NCSL’s Education Program.