Credential Innovation
Developing and offering alternative certification programs and innovative and non-degree credentials (certificates, microcredentials, digital badges and noncredit programs) has become a new priority in online and professional continuing education. Leaders charged with entrepreneurial initiatives, stakeholder engagement, faculty and learner experiences, digital technology and more have a professional home in UPCEA.
UPCEA is leading the way with focused initiatives centered around new credential innovation with research, peer-led sessions and resources for today’s leaders. Our commitment to advancing best practices in professional continuing education programs and alternative certification programs supports the continued growth and effectiveness of educational offerings.
News & Events
Conferences, Seminars, Webinars
From our major annual conference, leadership, marketing and regional events to topical webinars and coffee chats, UPCEA offers unparalleled networking, presentation and learning opportunities for all areas of online and professional continuing education.
Major UPCEA Events include:
- Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education
- UPCEA Annual Conference
- Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR) Conference
- MEMS Conference: Marketing, Enrollment Management, Student Success
- Digital Transformation & Learning (DT&L) Conference
- Regional Salons
Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education
September 29 - October 1, 2025 | Washington, DC
Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education examines new and emerging trends and models, especially at the institutional level, in the emergent field of alternative credentials.
Presented jointly by UPCEA and AACRAO, two of the organizations most critical to the future development and implementation of innovative credentials, this event brings together key campus stakeholders in credential innovation—deans of professional education, chief online learning officers, registrars, and their staff—to define and develop their institutional strategy with respect to alternative credentials.
UPCEA Members - Get Involved!
The Council for Credential Innovation
The Council for Credential Innovation (CCI) is the body for senior leaders charged with driving alternative certification programs and non-degree credential strategy at the unit or campus level, and key thought leaders from other nonprofit organizations and select companies that are active in the alternative credential space. The Council and its leadership are focused on leveraging the strategic potential of non-degree credentials and noncredit education and training to transform institutions of higher education as well as the talent marketplace.
Each UPCEA member institution has the opportunity to identify a representative to the Council for Credential Innovation — a campus leader when it comes to thinking beyond degree programs and credit hours, whether at the unit, college, or institutional level. CCI representatives are leaders in developing and implementing alternative certification programs and microcredentialing initiatives. Institutional representatives are able to attend the invite-only events and participate in other exclusive content hosted by Council for Credential Innovation. In addition, select nonprofit partners and corporate partners engaged in alternative certification programs are invited to identify one individual to participate in the Council. If you would like to update or add your institution's representative to the Council, email [email protected].
Join the Alternative Credentials Network
The mission of the Alternative Credentials Network is to share best practices and emerging trends related to alternative certification programs, including micro certification and microcredentialing. This is done through the exchange of ideas, programs, services, and initiatives that expand member knowledge regarding new, innovative, and entrepreneurial non-degree credentials that serve the needs of diverse learners.
The Network represents postsecondary professionals that work within externally focused online and professional continuing divisions and units at post-secondary institutions. Network members are increasingly valued at their institutions for advancing alternative certification programs and micro-credentialing, which are key areas for investment and expansion identified by many C-suite leaders.
Gain Knowledge and Advance Your Career with UPCEA’s Online Professional Development
Get the essential skills and knowledge you need with UPCEA’s Learning Center. Bringing you the leading experts in the field of professional, continuing, and online (PCO) education, these programs offer high-value and relevant content for educational leaders at all levels. Learn from expert facilitators and connect with peers online as a part of UPCEA's Professional Development courses.
UPCEA offers standalone courses focused on key PCO education topics, along with two PCO certificate programs: UPCEA PCO Professional Certificate and UPCEA PCO Leader Certificate.
UPCEA Professional Development Course:
Resources and Publications
UPCEA Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation
A practical toolkit to assist those in online and professional continuing education think systematically about the nature of credentials at their institution as well as the strategy and logistical components of supporting learners throughout their lifetimes. These Hallmarks focus on alternative credentials, which includes certificates, micro-credentials, digital badges, and noncredit programs, signaling specific competencies, certification, and sometimes licensure.
Shifting Paradigms: Understanding Institutional Perspectives on Microcredentialing Study
92% of Higher Education Leaders Say Microcredentials Support Institutional Competitiveness
The report showcases the perspectives of a wide range of college and university leaders on the opportunities and challenges associated with scaling and launching alternative certification programs.
“The new economy demands highly-skilled individuals who do not necessarily need degrees to enter or advance in their field. Microcredentials and other alternative credential options provide them the opportunity to achieve their goals, and as an industry we need to find ways to meet the needs of employers and adults—and especially of Millennial and Generation Z students.” - Jim Fong, Chief Research Officer and Director of UPCEA Research and Consulting
Non-Credit to Credit Pathways to Higher Education: UPCEA Member Survey Results
North American colleges and universities are beginning to recognize the value of non-credit to credit pathways, according to new research by UPCEA in partnership with MindEdge Learning. But most of these institutions have yet to implement these nontraditional avenues to a college degree.
Non-credit to credit pathways translate non-credit achievements – such as professional certifications or licenses, prior learning assessments, faculty reviews, and military service – into credit toward a degree or credential.
With college enrollments dropping, along with public confidence in the value of a college education, non-credit to credit pathways allow students the flexibility to keep their education options open to match their lifestyle, enhancing the effectiveness of professional continuing education programs and related certification efforts.
Blog | Alternative Credentials in Higher Ed by UPCEA
Curated by our Senior Fellow, Ray Schroeder, this daily update provides the latest trends and news in the innovative and alternative credentials space. Read more and subscribe today.
Learn & Work Ecosystem Library Glossary
Maintained by our partners at the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library, this comprehensive glossary provides real-time access to terms and definitions from the learn-and-work ecosystem.
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UPCEA has the knowledge and resources colleges and universities need to serve adult learners, online learners and contemporary students.
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To learn more about how UPCEA can help you and your organization navigate the vastly changing landscape of online and professional continuing education please complete this form or email us at [email protected]