The State of Career Technical Education: Credentials of Value report draws on a 2024 national scan of state practices, a 50-state survey, and interviews with state leaders to gather insights and strategies for improving the identification, validation, incentivization, and data collection related to credentials that support learners’ career success and workforce development. The report reinforces what many assume to be true about credentials—they remain highly incentivized, but too many states lack robust systems, policies, and data to ensure true quality and value.