The Perceived Influence of Industry-Sponsored Credentials on the Recruitment Process in the Information Technology Industry: Employer and Employee Perspectives

The increase in the number of industry-sponsored credential programs raises many questions for career and technical education. This study investigated the perceived influence of industry-sponsored credentials on the recruitment process in the information technology (IT) field. Influence is examined from the perspective of Human Resource (HR) executives and their current IT employees to explore employer and employee differences in the role industry sponsored credentials and traditional education qualifications play in the recruiting process. Surveys were administered to HR executives and IT employees in a sample of large U.S. firms. Results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between employers and IT employees regarding the perceived influence of industry-sponsored credentials on recruitment. However, significant differences were found in the perceived influence of such credentials on the recruitment process when comparing IT employees with credentials and those without. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for researchers, career and technology education policy makers, and educators.