CHICAGO – The Higher Learning Commission has endorsed four organizations that provide short-term credential programs, such as certificates, microcredentials, badges or other alternative credentials.

“These endorsed providers meet high-quality standards in offering short-term credentials of value,” said Higher Learning Commission President Barbara Gellman-Danley. “The intent is to increase pathways for learners to gain the qualifications they need to advance careers and success.”

About First Endorsed Providers 

The four organizations that have been granted endorsement are:

• Corporate Finance Institute LLC

• Kaplan North America LLC

• Sophia Learning LLC

• Voltage Control LLC

“Being recognized as an HLC Endorsed Provider is a meaningful milestone for CFI. Our mission has always been to provide world-class finance education that’s accessible, practical, and credible. This endorsement reflects the rigor and quality our team brings to everything we build,” says Tim Vipond, Co-Founder & CEO, Corporate Finance Institute. “The endorsement tells our students and employers alike that the credentials they’ve earned open real doors, which is exactly what we’ve been building toward.”  

As a leading higher education accreditor, HLC recently established a reliable source of quality assurance for learners, employers and others navigating the credential market. The endorsement provides the learner assurance that the provider offers a quality option that may be recognized by higher education institutions and employers. 

 “Kaplan is proud to receive the HLC Short-term Credential Provider Endorsement, and we appreciate the Higher Learning Commission’s leadership in recognizing credential providers that meet high standards for quality and workforce relevance.” says Gregory Marino, CEO, Kaplan North America. “This endorsement affirms the strength of our programs, from career readiness and data literacy to project management and professional development. We remain focused on helping learners at every stage build the practical skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce and reach their full potential.” 

Endorsed providers have demonstrated that they meet standards of quality in the growing credential marketplace. The endorsement demonstrates that providers aretrustworthy credential partnersfor addressing workforce learning initiatives and developing learners’ skills to meet employer needs. The endorsement validates a nationally recognized benchmark of quality for short-term credential providers.   

“Sophia Learning is honored by HLC’s endorsement of our short-term credential program that offers learners a flexible and affordable path to acquire new skills and qualifications,” says Hunter Davis, CEO of Sophia Learning.  “We commend HLC for promoting innovative pathways like Sophia that meet the needs of working students as they progress in their careers.” 

About Requirements, Process

Among requirements, endorsed providers have shown:

• Their organization has legal authorization to operate and is financially sound. 
• Educational offerings are aligned with workforce learning needs. 
• Protections for learners have been established.

“Organizations today aren’t just adopting new technologies, they’re rethinking how teams work together. As AI reshapes roles and decision-making across organizations, the ability to facilitate alignment, collaboration, and learning becomes critical,” said Douglas Ferguson CEO, Voltage Control. “HLC’s endorsement reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences that help leaders guide teams through complex change.” 

Applications were reviewed by experienced professionals with backgrounds in education, workforce development, and organizational quality practices. The HLC endorsement is up for review and renewal every two years.   

HLC is accepting applications for endorsement for the second cohort of providers through April 24, 2026.  

About the Higher Learning Commission

The Higher Learning Commission accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. HLC is a private, nonprofit accrediting agency. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.