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Choosing a new career path usually brings up one big question: “Which training program will actually help me get a better job?” There’s no shortage of certificates, apprenticeships, and bootcamps promising quick pathways to higher pay. The harder part is knowing which ones deliver real results.
SkillUp’s partnership with the Burning Glass Institute helps bring clarity to that choice. Their Credential Value Index (CVI) uses millions of real career journeys to show which credentials help workers increase their earnings and step into higher-quality roles. SkillUp connects that research to free tools that help you explore careers, compare training programs, and save your favorites.
Our first post explained the partnership and why credentials matter. Our second post explored tech credentials with strong wage gains. Our third highlighted colleges and short-term providers that help learners make informed choices for upskilling courses. Now, this guide helps you connect those dots so you can choose the training that fits your goals.
The CVI focuses on one big thing: real outcomes. Instead of relying on marketing claims or guessing, it looks at how workers progressed after earning a credential.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
Plenty of in-demand jobs—HVAC, IT support, electrical, cybersecurity, paralegal—don’t ask for a four-year degree. They do ask for training that employers trust.
When you choose a credential backed by solid data, you’re more likely to:
The challenge is filtering through endless programs to find the ones that deliver. This is where the CVI becomes a powerful tool. It highlights programs with outcomes that match what workers want: better pay, more stability, and clear advancement.
Earlier posts shared which credentials and training providers show strong outcomes. This guide pulls everything together and shows how you can use CVI insights to choose a direction that fits your goals.
Here’s a straightforward process to follow.
Browse SkillUp’s career paths to get a feel for what suits your strengths, interests, and lifestyle needs.
Many roles have known entry points:
The CVI shows which ones lead to wage gains or advancement.
Not everyone earns a credential for the same reason. Before comparing programs, take a moment to clarify what you’re trying to accomplish right now. The CVI tracks several dimensions of career progress, and knowing your goal helps you focus on the right data.
As you research credentials, ask yourself:
Some credentials help people land new jobs, while others are better for upskilling once you’re already working in a field.
CVI data shows which credentials are tied to wage gains and which are more often linked to new job placement.
Some credentials deliver early movement. Others support steady advancement over time.
You might start with something concrete (like NCCER or IT Support), or browse by category to see what performs well across an industry.
Consider time, cost, and whether the credential can stack into something more advanced later.
When you explore credentials using these questions, the CVI helps you see outcomes laid out clearly. You can sort by goals like landing a new job or increasing pay, while still viewing the full range of credentials on the spectrum. That way, you’re not narrowing too early; you’re refining based on what matters most to you.
Once you’ve identified a few strong options, head to SkillUp’s training catalog to compare programs that teach those credentials and see which ones fit your schedule and budget.
You can compare programs by:
Whenever something interests you, save it to your SkillUp profile.
Short-term and stackable training tends to work best. You don’t need the perfect choice on day one. You need a first step you can finish.
Sometimes you’re choosing between multiple roles. Here’s how CVI data can guide you.
Both paths involve hands-on work with strong demand.
If wage growth is your top priority, electrical may be the stronger match. If you prefer working with heating/cooling systems and enjoy diagnostic work, HVAC may feel more natural. The CVI gives you the data; your preferences shape the decision.
Both paths lead to tech roles with strong growth.
If you’re new to tech, IT Support may be the best place to start. If you want to specialize earlier, cybersecurity can be more strategic.
This kind of side-by-side comparison is exactly what the CVI was built for.
To help you see how this plays out, here are high-demand roles SkillUp users explore often, paired with credentials that show strong outcomes.
Why it’s in demand: Homes and businesses rely on steady temperature control year-round.
Credential that helps: NCCER Core Certification (Wage gains up to $15,700)
Why it works: It signals that you have baseline construction skills and can grow into HVAC specialties.
Why it’s in demand: Electrical systems power nearly every part of the modern world.
Credential that helps: NCCER Electrical Certification (Wage gains up to $14,600)
Why it works: It shows you understand safety, wiring, and electrical fundamentals employers require.
Why it’s in demand: Communities depend on safe, code-compliant plumbing systems.
Credential that helps: ICC Residential Plumbing Inspector Certification (Wage gains up to $12,300)
Why it works: It demonstrates you understand plumbing systems, building codes, and safety standards.
Why it’s in demand: Every workplace depends on people who can troubleshoot systems and support teams.
Credential that helps: Information Technology Support Specialist (Wage gains up to $9,000)
Why it works: It’s a proven first step into tech and a launching pad for higher-paying roles.
Why it’s in demand: Companies need trained professionals to protect their networks and data.
Credentials that help:
Why it works: It shows employers you know how to identify risks and respond to threats.
CVI data shows that price isn’t a reliable indicator of outcomes.
Many short-term programs lead to faster wage gains and stronger early mobility.
Thousands of workers have advanced through online training with strong results.
Stackable credentials allow you to build step by step.
SkillUp’s platform helps you sort options so you can avoid these traps.
SkillUp helps you use this data in practical ways:
We only showcase training options that 1) can be completed in under a year, 2) are low-cost or free, and 3) lead to a livable wage. That means we’ve taken the confusion out of choosing a training program.
With the right credential—and the right data behind it—you can take a meaningful step toward a more stable, better-paying job.
Here’s how to get started:
You deserve opportunities that lead somewhere. SkillUp and the Burning Glass Institute are here to help you find the training that gets you there.
Read all the articles in this series:
10 Career Advancement Programs That Grow Your Paycheck
Top Credentials to Help You Land a High-Demand Tech Job
How to Identify Career Credentials That Really Pay Off
