Developing a Competency-Based Credentialing Framework for National Human Resource Development

The United Nations has frequently highlighted the role of human resource development as a remedy for undeveloped and underdeveloped countries to overcome their economic deficits. In the last two decades, there has been a growing interest in applying national human resource development (NHRD) for capacity building and economic growth. However, much of the focus of NHRD has been on structures and delivery rather than on outcomes, competency evaluation, and performance. Historically, countries have relied on educational offerings to supply human capital. There is a growing concern that the educational world is not preparing people for the ‘newer’ jobs. This disconnect between education and employment has led to an increased emphasis on industry aligned credentialing systems. Based on the premise that performance-based assessments are integral to a competency-based education system, this paper links education and employment by industry-recognized personnel certification and presents a credentialing framework to support NHRD. The framework integrates all credentials from high school diplomas to degrees, apprenticeships, vocational training, and certification. The implications for NHRD are tremendous considering the impact on economic development.