Industry Recognized Student Credentials

The Whole Package

🤝 Industry Collaboration
📋 Industry Standards
🏛️ National Standards
📚 Course Alignment
🎓 Instructor Training

LAPSEN identifies Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) with networks of schools in the forefront of planning. They are designed to satisfy Perkins requirements for Career and Technical Education. They can also serve as "End of Pathway" and course completion benchmarks.

First, we align to industry and professionals to ensure that every part of the curriculum will align the students with the skills the LPS industry. We do this to identify the knowledge and skills industry desires in entry-level employees.

Second, we identify a credential. In instances where industry credentialing instruments exist, we do a thorough review to make sure it matches educational standards and activity during a rigorous piloting process including secondary students. If there is no appropriate IRC, we develop one with industry.

Third, we identify the industry concepts and knowledge as a basis to update national course standards. Many of the existing state standards are over ten years old. The new LAPSEN national courses and standards reflect current industry demands.

Fifth, we make sure instructors are prepared to support students in the credential process. Teachers must demonstrate their knowledge in that field through education and/or experience in the specific public safety field. Some LAPSEN associated credentials require teachers to hold specific certifications. We also require instructors to complete a train-the-trainer course. LAPSEN has worked with credentialing bodies to keep costs minimal, allowing use of technology and training with all delivery options, all the while properly preparing teachers to ensure student success.

Finally, after a school implements courses and corresponding credentials, LAPSEN will continuously offer support through training, seminars, regional convocations and at national conferences.

Misleading Credentials

Many "Industry Recognized Credentials" Are Just Tests

Lots of groups out there claim to have IRCs — but most are nothing but glorified tests. They take advantage of vague terms in Perkins legislation to claim to have an IRC, but the fact is — IRCs are clearly defined in 20 U.S. Code § 2302.

  • Certificates verify mastery of skills, knowledge, qualifications and/or experience in a specific skillset/an occupation.
  • Employers regularly use certifications as selection criteria for hiring, promotion, and/or salary increases.
  • Must be endorsed by a national or state industry organization recognized in industry.

LAPSEN ensures all IRCs we partner with or design meet these requirements, plus our own stringent assessment standards. Our tools are reviewed by special education experts as well as ESL experts. We make sure students understand what they know, not just how to test.

Scholastic Testing & Credential Certifications (STACC)

Orders, Registration, Quotes and Invoices

All of our testing partners have been vetted and supply a single e-store for the convenience of educators. Scholastic Testing and Credential Certifications (STACC) offers the platform flexibility we need.

You can find all the LAPSEN IRCs here.

Order Certifications

Detailed directions for exam order and administration can be found in the exam manual. Click Here

Exam Registration, Administration and Proctoring

Detailed directions for registration and administration can be found in the exam manual. Click Here and explainer video. Click Here

Proctoring guidelines and requirements can be found in the exam manual. Click Here and explainer video. Click Here

Test Preparation Tips

Having your students prepare for industry credentials is an ongoing process. Having an intentional plan for this is essential to student success in exams. The bonus is that the students gain long-term retention of key knowledge they will need going into their careers.

Master teacher Josh Clark created a training video for STACC that walks you through the process. It is the best 17 minutes of training you have ever had as far as learning how to make students successful as a tester.

The NLEC Prep Toolkit for testers can be found here.

STACC — Scholastic Testing & Credential Certifications

Accommodations

LAPSEN and all partner industry certification agencies fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act.

Approval of accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities and specific details on accommodations can be found in the STACC Accommodation Manual. Click Here

General questions about accommodations in test administration can be directed to info@placexams.com.

Retest

Overall retest/remediation policy: If a student fails their first attempt they may retest up to two times provided the school follows the remediation process. Schools may be more restrictive, allowing less re-tests, if they choose. It is expected schools will work with students and prepare them for the test — not simply take the test again.

First Retest – The student is to be returned to the same as the original exam with the instructor prior to the retest. The retest is sent to the same as the original attempt. Students should wait at least one calendar week before testing again. Schools may wait longer if they prefer. It is imperative that the school works with the student to ensure the student understands the material and is prepared. The cost of a retest is the same as the original test price.

Third Failure – If a student fails the third test, the student cannot test again without retaking the course.

Your State and IRCs

Where are we in your state?

Each state has differing laws, requirements and protocols for schools to use LAPSEN and our partner tests. Each state also has differing rules and you can only get your state info here.

Click Here to check your state's status

LAPSEN is not a testing company. We have been asked to put together the best testing options that meet the Perkins requirements for Industry Recognized Credentials.

Director of Credentialing

Holly Scruggs, Ed.S.holly@lapsen.org

Holly is an accomplished educator, former police officer, and LPS high school pathway completer!

Reach out to Holly with any questions.

Holly Scruggs, Director of Credentialing