Exploring a new career path often means sorting through certificates, bootcamps, and apprenticeships. But here’s the truth: not every credential is worth your time or money.
That’s why SkillUp has partnered with the Burning Glass Institute. Their Credential Value Index (CVI) uses real-world career data to show which programs actually help workers grow their wages and advance in their careers. Together, we’re making it easier for you to choose credentials that truly open doors.
Across the country, demand for skilled workers is rising fast. From HVAC and welding to healthcare support and IT, employers need people with practical skills they can apply right away.
For many of these roles, the entry point isn’t a four-year degree—it’s a short-term credential. A certificate, license, or apprenticeship program can open the door to stable jobs that pay well and offer room to grow.
But here’s the challenge: with more than a million nondegree programs out there, it’s hard to know which ones actually deliver results. Some programs can transform your career. Others might not change your earnings at all. That uncertainty leaves many workers stuck at the starting line.
The Credential Value Index was designed to help. Powered by the career histories of more than 65 million Americans, it shows which credentials are tied to better wages and career advancement compared to workers without them.
Think of it as a flashlight in a crowded room. Instead of guessing which certification, bootcamp, or apprenticeship might pay off, the CVI highlights options that are proven to make a difference.
For skilled trades especially—where a short-term program can launch you into a steady career—the CVI is a game changer. Imagine being able to compare two different HVAC certifications and knowing which one is more likely to boost your pay. That kind of insight takes the guesswork out of a major life decision.
Burning Glass provides the data. SkillUp brings it to life.
Through this partnership, SkillUp users will gain:
Together, this partnership blends cutting-edge research with SkillUp’s mission of making career change less overwhelming and more rewarding.
Too often, workers carry the risk of picking the wrong program. You might spend months—and in some cases, thousands of dollars—on a credential that doesn’t move the needle.
Our partnership with Burning Glass helps flip that story. Instead of wondering, “Will this certificate actually help me?” you’ll have data-driven guidance pointing you toward training that pays off, both online and through our community college partners across the U.S.
Here's what that looks like in practice in skilled trades careers with the highest wage gains:
We are all about giving workers the confidence to invest in their future without fear of wasting time or money.
We’re just getting started. Over the coming months, SkillUp will continue weaving CVI insights into our platform so you can see, at a glance, which training programs are most valuable.
As new data emerges, you’ll have even more tools at your fingertips to make informed choices about your career path. Our goal is simple: to make sure every worker has access to opportunities that are affordable, attainable, and lead to real growth.
Here’s how to start exploring skilled trade credentials with real value:
The right credential should lead somewhere, not simply to a line on your résumé. With SkillUp and the Burning Glass Institute, you can focus on training that pays off in opportunity, stability, and growth.
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