Abstract

Broadly defined, credentials are anything that provides a basis for confidence, belief, or credit in the capabilities of someone or something. They may provide a form of status or entitlement. Credentials may be based upon education, experience, or other past actions that indicate the level of a person’s commitment, understanding, and capabilities. They often represent a certain level of achievement in personal qualities or capabilities, and they are sometimes supported by documents or certifications awarded by organizations or institutions. It should be noted that many of the terms used and described in this chapter have significantly different meanings and definitions in various fields and professions. Credentialing has a range of meanings from knowledge-based training-based certificates to credentials based on actual practice and experiences.