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.

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

2024-2025 Master Credentials List

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

2023-2024 Master Credentials List

2022-2023 Master Credentials List

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A credential of value is a degree, certificate, or industry certification that meets specific criteria for demand, wage outcomes, and alignment with workforce needs. These credentials are recognized as providing Floridians with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure in-demand, well-paying jobs, supporting both individual career growth and the broader economic prosperity of communities across the state.

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

Currently, only Florida school districts, Florida College System institutions, and local workforce development boards are eligible to submit credentials; however, individuals and private organizations can collaborate with these entities to propose credentials.

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.

Credentials that don’t meet the wage outcome criteria individually may still play a critical role in a broader educational and career pathway. These credentials are often foundational or intermediate steps that lead to advanced credentials with higher earning potential and better job prospects. Including these credentials on the MCL recognizes their importance in building a comprehensive, stackable credentialing system and ensures education pathways are aligned with career advancement opportunities.

Resources and technical assistance are available to guide you through the application process. You can access these resources here or contact mcl@careersourceflorida.com for further assistance.

The MCL application is open year-round. Credential submissions are reviewed by the Credentials Review Committee on a quarterly basis. Industry certification submissions seeking eligibility for CAPE funding are reviewed on an annual basis, with an approximate deadline of September 30 for the school cycle beginning the following year. To view the full timeline, click here.

Credentials are evaluated against the Framework of Quality, which assesses criteria such as labor market demand, wage outcomes, and alignment with industry needs.

A joint review team comprised of representatives from the Florida Department of Education, FloridaCommerce, and CareerSource Florida assess submitted credentials against the Framework of Quality on a quarterly basis. Credentials that meet the criteria are recommended to the Credentials Review Committee for consideration.

The Credentials Review Committee then votes on these recommendations during their next meeting. Once approved by the Credentials Review Committee, the updated MCL is presented to the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors for approval before being submitted to the State Board of Education. The approved MCL is then updated on CareerSource Florida’s website.

To view the full timeline, click here.

If a credential is not approved, feedback will be provided to help you understand the reasons and areas for improvement. You have the opportunity to revise and resubmit the application for future consideration.

You can sign up to receive email updates on the MCL here. This will keep you informed about application deadlines, changes to the Framework of Quality, and other important information.

Credentials flagged for removal from the MCL are under review due to concerns about continued alignment with current labor market demands, earnings outcomes, or other criteria defined by the Framework of Quality. This status signals that the credential may need updated information to be submitted to remain on the MCL or may no longer meet the required standards for inclusion on the MCL. This process ensures that the MCL remains current and only includes credentials that provide real value in the job market.

Click on the link below to view the credentials that are currently flagged for removal from the MCL.

2024-2025 Credentials Flagged for Removal

A credential may remain flagged for up to two years. During this period, institutions have the opportunity to provide updated data or information to demonstrate its continued relevance and alignment with the criteria set forth by the Credentials Review Committee. If the necessary information is not submitted within this period or does not meet the required standards, the credential may be removed from the MCL and would no longer be eligible for state or federal funding tied to workforce education and training programs.

Institutions with flagged credentials should review the specific reasons for the flagging and gather relevant data or information to address these concerns. This may include demonstrating that the credential aligns with current labor market demands, provides strong earnings outcomes, or meets other criteria outlined in the Framework of Quality.
The updated information must be submitted and voted on by the Credentials Review Committee for decision within the two-year flagging period.

No, only authorized representatives from eligible institutions or entities, such as Florida school districts, Florida College System institutions, or local workforce development boards, can submit updated information for flagged credentials. These representatives are responsible for providing the necessary data or information to address the concerns raised by the flagging. The updated information must be submitted for consideration within the designated two-year period.

No, the organization that originally submitted the credential application does not have to be the one to submit updated information for flagged credentials. Any eligible institution or entity, such as Florida school districts, Florida College System institutions, or local workforce development boards, can provide the necessary updates to ensure the credential’s continued inclusion on the MCL. The updated information will be reviewed by the Credentials Review Committee to determine if the credential meets the required standards.

If the necessary information is not provided or fails to address the concerns with a flagged credential within the two-year period, the credential may be removed from the MCL. Once removed, the credential will no longer be eligible for state or federal funding linked to workforce education and training programs.

Yes, a credential that has been removed from the MCL can be re-added if the institution can later provide compelling evidence that the credential meets the necessary standards outlined in the Framework of Quality. The credential would need to go through the application and review process again to be considered for inclusion on the MCL.

Institutions and other relevant stakeholders that applied through CareerSource Florida are notified directly when a credential is flagged for removal. Additionally, the credential will be marked as flagged on the MCL. If a credential is removed from the MCL, formal notification will be provided, if contact information is available, and the removal will be reflected in the next update of the MCL.

The evaluation of a flagged credential considers several criteria, including its alignment with labor market demand, the competencies it provides, employment and earnings outcomes for individuals earning the credential, and whether it continues to meet the criteria established by the Framework of Quality. The review also looks at whether the credential supports middle- to high-level wage outcomes.