Employers’ Perceived Value of High School Industry Recognized Credentials

The purpose of this study was to determine whether industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) earned in secondary school led to quality employment and which IRCs should be integrated into career and technical education (CTE) high school courses. Using survey data from business leaders across the 14 nationally recognized Career Clusters (Advance CTE, 2024a), credentials were ranked by importance within five program areas ( n = 257). Pareto analysis revealed 80% of respondents rated health sciences, family and consumer sciences, and agricultural sciences credentials highest, while business/marketing and skilled/technical sciences/STEM credentials did not rank in the top 20%. This research provides empirical evidence for prioritizing specific IRCs in secondary CTE programs that lead to higher quality jobs, higher pay, and a job to support a family. Career and technical education programs should consider each certification’s value and select the most beneficial ones.