Expand Career and College Pathways with Industry Credentials
PLTW high school programs align to leading industry-recognized credentials (IRCs)—so students build real skills, earn college credits, and graduate with proof that they're ready for what's next.
Set Your School Apart with PLTW Courses + IRCs
Equip students for the careers of tomorrow with rigorous, hands-on learning that gives them a competitive edge. PLTW courses enable students to apply knowledge and skills in ways that prepare them to earn resume-worthy credentials.
- Ready for Any Future
Learning experiences build the technical depth to obtain credentials and open doors to college credit opportunities.
- Connected to Credential Objectives
Course material and hands-on labs and projects surface knowledge and skills that prepare students for IRCs as they move through lessons.
- Real-World, Applied Learning
Students use the industry-relevant tools, methods, and mindsets employers demand.
- Scalable for Districts
Schools implement districtwide CTE credential pathways, expanding access and consistency for students.
What Are Industry-Recognized Credentials and Certifications?
An industry-recognized credential or certification (IRC) is a tangible asset that demonstrates an individual's content knowledge, technical skills, and job readiness. IRCs are offered by third-party providers within an industry or organization. While some exams offer credit or advanced standing in degree programs, others open the door for internships and employment opportunities.
Give Students a Career Advantage™ with IRCs
- Learning that aligns with career-relevant and state-recognized IRCs.
- Measurable improvements to work-based learning and credential attainment.
- Classroom-ready resources that reduce prep for certification exams.
- Guidance for additional student support embedded into teacher materials.
- Intentional IRC connections that prepare students to earn high-value credentials and certifications.
- Flexible sequencing that makes it easy to design learning pathways that align with local needs and academic goals.
- Student-centered storytelling to illustrate program success for school boards and community partners. COMING SOON!
Many states provide CTE and Perkins funding to support student-earned IRCs.
In addition, PLTW provides grants supported by industry partners.
- Apply for PLTW grants
- Leverage Perkins V funding
- Create partnerships with local businesses
Credential Alignment by PLTW Pathway
Boost student confidence, employability, and college readiness with credentialing opportunities for students in courses aligned with high-value STEM and CTE pathways.
PLTW Computer Science (CS)
Students are immersed in industry-aligned computing practices through relevant and accessible learning experiences that explore areas such as app development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI).
PLTW Engineering (ENG)
Students engage in hands-on learning that mirrors real-world engineering work and provides experience with industry-standard tools, technologies, and processes that professionals use every day.
PLTW Biomedical Science (BMS)
Students explore human health, disease, and treatment through hands-on lab work, ethical decision-making, and clinical case studies, where they build confidence and gain clarity on careers in more than 30 medical fields.
- Engineering
Architectural Drafting
PLTW Engineering outcomes are mapped to content areas that are relevant to and support student readiness for NOCTI credentials.
Linked PLTW Course: Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Engineering
Autodesk Certified User
Autodesk and Certiport have partnered with PLTW to help more students gain access to and pass the Autodesk Certified User (ACU): Fusion exam. The Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) course fully aligns with the knowledge and skills needed to earn the ACU credential.
Note: All PLTW schools delivering certification for the first time can receive a 15% discount on certification exams and practice tests. Educators should mention the PLTW discount when speaking with a Certiport sales representative. Other discounts may be available to schools that already offer certifications. Discount is subject to change.
Linked PLTW Course: Introduction to Engineering (IED)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Biomedical Science
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
PLTW BMS courses align well with several certifications that demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Students who complete the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Body Systems (HBS) courses, which cover human biology and engage students in emergency response scenarios, will be especially prepared for this IRC.
As students move through PLTW BMS courses, they will:
- Demonstrate safety, documentation, and analysis skills tied to credentials in both clinical and lab-style environments.
- Build confidence, boost employability, and stand out for college admissions and scholarships.
- Translate classroom investigations into recognized indicators of college and career readiness in health science, biotechnology, and entry-level lab roles.
- Biomedical Science
Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI) Microcredentials
PLTW BMS embeds core bioscience competencies such as safety, SOP/documentation, numeracy, aseptic technique, and small-volume metrology, and provides practice that mirrors BCSI’s hands-on evaluation, positioning students to earn stackable microcredentials.
- Safety: Hazard Assessment
- Documentation and SOP
- Numeracy
- Aseptic Technique: Lab Bench Level
- Small Volume Metrology
- Light Microscopy
Linked PLTW Courses: Medical Interventions (MI), Biomedical Innovation (BI)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Biomedical Science
Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE)
PLTW BMS courses build the knowledge and hands-on lab skills that are assessed with the written and practical components of the BACE exam. With additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW curriculum, students who complete the full BMS pathway are well prepared to pursue the credential in grades 11–12, with teachers able to use Biotility’s BACE Practice Exam Course and badging to boost readiness.
Linked PLTW Courses: Medical Interventions (MI), Biomedical Innovation (BI)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Biomedical Science
Bloodborne Pathogens
PLTW BMS courses align well with several certifications that demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Students who complete the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Body Systems (HBS) courses, which cover human biology and engage students in emergency response scenarios, will be especially prepared for this IRC.
Linked PLTW Courses: Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS), Human Body Systems (HBS)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Engineering
CAD
PLTW Engineering outcomes are mapped to content areas that are relevant to and support student readiness for NOCTI credentials.
Linked PLTW Course: Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Engineering
CAD Fundamentals
PLTW Engineering outcomes are mapped to content areas that are relevant to and support student readiness for NOCTI credentials.
Linked PLTW Course: Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Biomedical Science
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
PLTW BMS courses align well with several certifications that demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Students who complete the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Body Systems (HBS) courses, which cover human biology and engage students in emergency response scenarios, will be especially prepared for this IRC.
Linked PLTW Courses: Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS), Human Body Systems (HBS)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Computer Science
CompTIA AI Essentials
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Principles of AI (PAI)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Computer Science
CompTIA Security+ Certification
PLTW and CompTIA have partnered to support PLTW Cybersecurity students in their pursuit of the Security+ certification. Through this partnership, students will have access to the certification exam and get special pricing on test preparation tools.
Linked PLTW Course: Cybersecurity (SEC)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Computer Science
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Cybersecurity (SEC)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Engineering
Engineering Technology Foundations
PLTW Engineering outcomes are mapped to content areas that are relevant to and support student readiness for NOCTI credentials.
Linked PLTW Course: Principles of Engineering (POE)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Biomedical Science
First Aid
PLTW BMS courses align well with several certifications that demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Students who complete the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Body Systems (HBS) courses, which cover human biology and engage students in emergency response scenarios, will be especially prepared for this IRC.
Linked PLTW Courses: Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS), Human Body Systems (HBS)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Biomedical Science
First Aid for Severe Trauma™
PLTW BMS courses align well with several certifications that demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Students who complete the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Body Systems (HBS) courses, which cover human biology and engage students in emergency response scenarios, will be especially prepared for this IRC.
Linked PLTW Courses: Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS), Human Body Systems (HBS)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Computer Science
Google AI Essentials
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Principles of AI (PAI)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Computer Science
Google Cybersecurity Professional
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Cybersecurity (SEC)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Engineering
Lean Six Sigma Certification White Belt
The Advanced Manufacturing (AM) course emphasizes process, quality, and continuous improvement concepts that connect with industry expectations and LSS principles.
Linked PLTW Course: Advanced Manufacturing (AM)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Engineering
Lean Six Sigma Certification Yellow Belt
The Advanced Manufacturing (AM) course emphasizes process, quality, and continuous improvement concepts that connect with industry expectations and LSS principles.
Linked PLTW Course: Advanced Manufacturing (AM)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Biomedical Science
National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE) Credentials
All PLTW BMS courses align to the National Health Science Standards and prepare students to earn multiple certificates from the National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE).
- The comprehensive NHSC is best pursued after combined coursework in Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS), Human Body Systems (HBS), Medical Interventions (MI), and Biomedical Innovation (BI) courses. Added Legal Responsibilities content is recommended.
- The stackable Human Structure, Function, and Disease certificates can be pursued after combined coursework in Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Body Systems (HBS).
- Human Structure, Function, and Disease (A)
- Human Structure, Function, and Disease (B)
Linked Course: Human Body Systems (HBS)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Biomedical Science
NOCTI Biotechnology
PLTW BMS is an official NOCTI Alignment Network Member for the Biotechnology credential. While the Medical Interventions (MI) course prepares students for the exam, the broader PLTW BMS pathway deepens background knowledge and lab skills related to the credential.
Linked PLTW Course: Medical Interventions (MI)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Computer Science
Oracle Certified Associate, Java® SE 8 Programmer
This certification is a stepping stone for PLTW Computer Science A (CSA) students who want to pursue more advanced certifications in Java-based development or career roles in the field.
Linked PLTW Course: Computer Science A (CSA)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Computer Science
Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java®
An optional unit in PLTW Computer Science A (CSA) adds exam-specific topics not covered in AP CSA and is designed for students to complete post-AP in 6 weeks/30 class days.
Linked PLTW Course: Computer Science A (CSA)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Computer Science
Python® Certified Associate Python® Programmer (PCAP)
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Computer Science
Python® Certified Entry-Level Python® Programmer (PCEP)
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Computer Science
Python® Coding Apprentice (PCA)
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Computer Science
Python® Coding Specialist (PCS)
PLTW CS also serves as a springboard for students who may aspire to attain additional certifications.
Linked PLTW Course: Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Engineering
REC Foundation (RECF) Pre-Engineering Certification
The RECF lists PLTW ENG as a curriculum resource and notes that all RECF certification standards are found in PLTW curriculum resources.
The PLTW and RECF partnership enhances engineering and robotics education with IRCs. PLTW’s curriculum aligns closely with the Pre-Engineering and Robotics certifications and provides recommendations to help bridge small knowledge gaps where needed.
The Pre-Engineering certification requires students to complete Fundamentals of Engineering plus two modules (e.g., Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, CS/Programming, Electrical, Engineering Tech, Manufacturing Tech, Mechanical).
Linked PLTW Courses: Principles of Engineering (POE), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Digital Electronics (DE), Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA), Aerospace Engineering (AE), Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Engineering
REC Foundation (RECF) Robotics Certification
The RECF lists PLTW ENG as a curriculum resource and notes that all RECF certification standards are found in PLTW curriculum resources.
The PLTW and RECF partnership enhances engineering and robotics education with IRCs. PLTW’s curriculum aligns closely with the Pre-Engineering and Robotics certifications and provides recommendations to help bridge small knowledge gaps where needed.
The Robotics certification requires students to complete the Fundamentals, CS/Programming, Mechanical, and Electrical modules.
Linked PLTW Courses: Principles of Engineering (POE), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Digital Electronics (DE), Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA), Aerospace Engineering (AE), Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Alignment Level: Full*
*This course is designed to address all knowledge areas outlined by the IRC, providing coverage of required topics.
- Biomedical Science
STOP THE BLEED®
PLTW BMS courses align well with several certifications that demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Students who complete the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) course, which covers human biology and engages students in emergency response scenarios, will be especially prepared for this IRC.
Linked PLTW Course: Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
- Biomedical Science
Wilderness First Aid
PLTW BMS courses align well with several certifications that demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Students who complete the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Body Systems (HBS) courses, which cover human biology and engage students in emergency response scenarios, will be especially prepared for this IRC.
Linked PLTW Course: Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS)
Alignment Level: Partial*
*Additional learning on topics not covered by PLTW will be necessary to fully prepare for the exam or certification.
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Earn College Credit through ACE
Several PLTW high school courses carry ACE CREDIT recommendations that institutions may choose to award as transfer credit. Eligibility and acceptance are determined by the receiving institution. Students typically must earn a qualifying score (≥ 370 / 70%+) on the PLTW EoC assessment and follow each college’s process to earn credit.*
Explore ACE College Credit Opportunities
* PLTW aligns course outcomes and learning experiences to the publicly available objectives and standards of the listed credentials. Credential exams are administered by independent organizations; eligibility, testing policies, and award decisions rest with those organizations. Logos are the property of their respective owners and used to indicate alignment, not endorsement. ACE CREDIT recommendations are determined by ACE and accepted at the discretion of individual institutions; transfer policies vary.