APPLY NOW FOR THE MASTER CREDENTIALS LIST

Florida's Master Credentials List

The Master Credentials List, required by the REACH Act and defined by the Credentials Review Committee, is a comprehensive inventory of state-approved degree and non-degree credentials that prepare Floridians for in-demand occupations. This list ensures alignment between the state’s education system and industry needs, directing federal and state funds to workforce education and training programs that lead to these valuable credentials.

Application

Who Can Apply?

Florida school districts, Florida College System institutions, and local workforce development boards are eligible to submit credentials for consideration.

What Types of Credentials Can be Submitted?

Eligible credentials include advanced technical certificates, career certificates, college credit certificates, industry certifications, registered apprenticeship certificates, licenses, applied technology diplomas, associate in applied science degrees, associate in science degrees, bachelor of applied science degrees, and bachelor of science degrees.

How are Applications Evaluated?

Submitted credentials will be evaluated against the Framework of Quality and reviewed by the Credentials Review Committee on a quarterly basis for potential inclusion on the MCL. To view the full timeline, click here.

Are you submitting additional information for a credential currently on the Master Credentials List (MCL)?

Application Period Application Period Review Quarterly CRC Meeting Appeal Review Period
(Follows quarterly CRC meeting)
Annual Review of MCL (Against new labor market data)
July | August | September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May | June April 1- June 31 January 1 - March 31 October 1 - December 31** July 1 - September 30* *September 30 is the deadline to submit new applications for CAPE funding for the following school year.

**December 1 is the deadline to submit additional information for wage/demand flags on current MCL.
Application Period Application Period Review Quarterly CRC Meeting Appeal Review Period
(Follows quarterly CRC meeting)
Annual Review of MCL (Against new labor market data)
JULY | AUGUST | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY | APRIL | MAY April 1- May For
Q3 Applications
January 1 - February
For Q2 Applications
October 1 - November
For Q1 Applications
July 1 - August For
Q4 Applications
*September 30 is the deadline to submit new applications for CAPE funding for the following school year.

**December 1 is the deadline to submit additional information for wage/demand flags on current MCL.
Application Period Application Period Review Quarterly CRC Meeting Appeal Review Period
(Follows quarterly CRC meeting)
Annual Review of MCL (Against new labor market data)
Q1: July - September | Q2: October - December | Q3: January - March | Q4: April - June May February December August *September 30 is the deadline to submit new applications for CAPE funding for the following school year.

**December 1 is the deadline to submit additional information for wage/demand flags on current MCL.
Application Period Application Period Review Quarterly CRC Meeting Appeal Review Period
(Follows quarterly CRC meeting)
Annual Review of MCL (Against new labor market data)
Q1: July - September | Q2: October - December | Q3: January - March | Q4: April - June May -
June For Q3 Applications
February - March For Q2 Applications December - January For Q1 Applications August - September For Q4 Applications
*September 30 is the deadline to submit new applications for CAPE funding for the following school year.

**December 1 is the deadline to submit additional information for wage/demand flags on current MCL.
Application Period Application Period Review Quarterly CRC Meeting Appeal Review Period
(Follows quarterly CRC meeting)
Annual Review of MCL (Against new labor market data)
Q1: July - September | Q2: October - December | Q3: January - March | Q4: April - June September *September 30 is the deadline to submit new applications for CAPE funding for the following school year.

**December 1 is the deadline to submit additional information for wage/demand flags on current MCL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Master Credentials List (MCL)?

The MCL is the official list of state-approved degree and non-degree credentials that meet specific criteria for value, including labor market demand, wage outcomes, and career advancement opportunities. It is created based on the evaluations and recommendations of the Credentials Review Committee and guides the use of federal and state funds for workforce education and training programs in Florida.

Where can I find the current MCL?

Click on the link below to view the most current MCL.

2024-2025 Master Credentials List

Where can I find the MCL for previous years?

Click on the links below to view the MCL for previous years.

2023-2024 Master Credentials List

2022-2023 Master Credentials List

 

What is the Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Act, and how does it relate to the MCL?

The CAPE Act provides funding for secondary and postsecondary industry certifications, offered in high school, giving students a head start on careers by letting them earn certifications that are valued by employers.

To be eligible for CAPE funding, certifications must be submitted to the MCL and meet both CAPE eligibility criteria and the Framework of Quality standards. Industry certifications seeking CAPE funding can be submitted year-round, however, submissions are only reviewed by the Florida Department of Education on an annual basis with an approximate deadline of September 30 for the school cycle beginning the following year. To view the MCL application timeline, including the deadline for CAPE funding submissions, click here.

 

 

How does the MCL ensure that credentials remain relevant to the labor market?

The MCL is reviewed annually against current labor market demands, wage outcomes, and industry trends to ensure that the list remains aligned with the current and future needs of the workforce. Credentials that no longer meet the Framework of Quality criteria may be phased out.

Additionally, the Framework of Quality is continuously refined to reflect changes in the economy and workforce needs. This rigorous, data-driven approach ensures that the MCL remains a dynamic and effective tool for guiding education and training programs.

How do credentials on the MCL benefit students and job seekers?

Credentials listed on the MCL are recognized as valuable by employers and are linked to in-demand occupations and higher wage potential. They help students and job seekers identify education and training programs that lead to meaningful employment.

What are the benefits of being on the MCL for educational institutions?

Credentials listed on the MCL are eligible for state and federal funding, which can help institutions attract more students to their programs. It also indicates that the credential meets high standards for quality and value.

Can a credential be offered in Florida even if it is not on the MCL?

Yes, credentials can still be offered in Florida if they are not included on the MCL. The purpose of the MCL is to provide a public and transparent inventory of state-approved credentials of value, direct the use of federal and state funds toward workforce education and training programs that lead to these approved credentials, and guide workforce education and training programs by highlighting the credentials that have value in the current or future job market.