Licensure and Certification are the two primary types of credentials. Credentials can also be earned via Apprenticeships. The table below will give you an at-a-glance view of the differences between these three groups. Click the headings to learn more about the ones that interest you.
| Who Issues? | Optional/Required? | Unique Features | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
 Licensure |
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| Licenses awarded by government licensing boards – federal, state, local | Required by law in civilian workforce | Requirements may vary by state | May Include:
|
 Certification |
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| Certifications awarded by non-governmental organizations – professional associations, private sector companies | Optional, but may be required by licensing boards or employers | Multiple certifications may exist from different organizations | May Include:
|
 Apprenticeship |
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| Certificate of Completion issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship | Optional, but in certain construction projects strongly incentivized by federal law | Industry funded and operated – may be sponsored by single or multiple employers, with or without a union as a sponsoring partner | On-the-Job Training supplemented by Classroom Instruction |
