Alternative credentials
CEHD-approved alternative credentials include certificates of completion, continuing education units (CEUs), clock hours, and digital badges.
The Office of Lifelong Learning and Credentialing (OLLC) provides oversight to ensure that all non-credit professional development offerings across CEHD adhere to consistent credentialing, design, and quality standards. Through this centralized approach, lifelong learners receive the same high-quality, CEHD-approved credentials regardless of the unit, department, or center delivering the program.
Our standards
- Consistency in credential definitions and usage
- Quality and integrity of learning experiences
- Alignment with adult learning best practices
- Accessibility and ADA compliance
- Market relevance and workforce alignment
Our guiding principles
- Clarity: Learners understand the value and limitations of each credential
- Quality: All offerings meet CEHD standards for professional learning
- Equity: Programs are accessible and inclusive
- Alignment: Credentials connect to broader learning and career pathways
What are clock hours?
- Not equivalent to CEUs
- Assessment not required
- Attendance-based learning
- Not pre-approved by licensing boards
Clock hour certificates from OLLC document participation in a professional learning activity and the estimated number of instructional hours completed. Clock hours are seat-time documentation for licensure or other professional requirements. They are not equivalent to CEUs. However, participants may independently submit a clock hour certificate to their field's credentialing body for approval.
If you are a CEHD unit offering clock hour certificates, please ensure that all certificates include this required disclaimer: “This certificate represents participation in a learning activity. It is the responsibility of the participant to verify acceptance with their licensing or credentialing body.”
What are continuing education units (CEUs)?
- Pre-approved by state licensing boards (as applicable)
- Must meet board-specific criteria and documentation standards
- Include verified instructional time and learning outcomes
CEUs are formal, board-approved continuing education credits that meet specific licensure requirements in Minnesota. The Office of Lifelong Learning and Credentialing (OLLC) serves as the College's central coordinating unit for CEU approval and compliance. OLLC works directly with licensing boards, including:
- Board of Social Work (BOSW)
- Board of School Administrators (BOSA)
- Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (LADC, LPCC)
- Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM)
*CEUs listed in the University's DORS registration system are NOT approved through any licensing boards, and follow the same process as the clock hour certificate, leaving it up to the participant to submit for approval.
What are digital badges?
- Competency-based and outcomes-driven
- May be stackable toward larger credentials
- Can include assessments or performance demonstrations
Digital badges are micro-credentials that recognize the acquisition of specific skills or competencies.
Badges are designed to:
- Validate discrete skills
- Support professional growth
- Enhance learner visibility and portability of skills
Learning pathways
How will alternative credentials fit into your professional learning journey?
Workshop or training
CEHD clock hour certificates and/or state approved CEUs document your participation in a professional learning activity and the estimated number of instructional hours completed.
Badge
Digital badges are micro-credentials that recognize the acquisition of specific skills or competencies. Badges are designed to:
- Validate skills
- Support professional growth
- Enhance learner visibility and portability of skills
Certificate
Gain a non-credit certificate when you participate in speciality trainings that require 12+ hours of learning.
Graduate credit
Some of our non-credit program offerings allow you to earn graduate credit, through additional coursework and tuition payment.
Degree
Apply graduate credits you've earned to a degree program.