Occupational credentials provide an additional--and, at times, alternative--path other than traditional academic degrees for individuals to increase productivity and demonstrate their abilities and qualifications to employers. These credentials take the form of licenses and certifications. Although a critical part of the workforce landscape, the…

Analyzes recent occupational data and suggests that postsecondary educational credentials have varied effects on early-labor-force outcomes. Some credentials have greater value in the labor force than does an associate's degree, and their effects often differ for young men and for young women. Argues that this important data has often been…

This study examined sources and occupational consequences of utilizing alternative educational patterns in a nationally representative sample (Retrospective Life History Sample) of black and white men. The study explored patterns of educational activities used, the antecedents of the use of alternative normative patterns, and occupational effects…