NC3 Reaches Historic Milestone: One Million Certifications Issued 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pleasant Prairie, WI — October 9, 2025 — The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) is proud to announce that it has reached a historic milestone with more than one million industry-recognized certifications issued across its global network. This achievement represents a defining moment in the advancement of career and technical education (CTE) and underscores NC3’s mission to build strong industry–education partnerships that equip students with valuable, job-ready skills. 

“Reaching one million certifications is a proud achievement not just for NC3, but for every instructor, student, educational partner, industry partner, and community, who believed in the power of industry-recognized credentials,” said Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director of NC3. “This milestone highlights the collective dedication of our network. As we move forward, we intend to amplify the stories behind the numbers and continue showcasing the innovation and success within the coalition.” 

With more than 450,000 students supported, 10,000 instructors trained, and 2,100 certification-issuing organizations worldwide, NC3’s achievement of one million certifications represents far more than a number. Each certification signifies a student gaining proven, employer-recognized skills that strengthen career opportunities and enrich local communities. This milestone also reflects the growing credibility and impact of NC3’s certification model, which is now embraced by educational and industry partners across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Morocco, and Jamaica. Together, NC3 and its network of institutions and industry partners are setting a new standard for collaboration and excellence in technical education. 

In the months ahead, NC3 will celebrate this achievement with a series of initiatives designed to highlight the individuals and institutions behind the milestone. The coalition will share spotlight stories featuring students, instructors, and schools whose successes helped make this achievement possible. NC3 will also host raffles and community-driven opportunities for members to share their own photos, experiences, and reflections. These celebrations will take place across NC3’s social media channels, newsletters, and upcoming events, ensuring the milestone continues to inspire connection and pride throughout the network. 

The one million certifications milestone marks a new chapter for NC3, strengthening its momentum to enhance programming, strengthen global industry partnerships, and continue fostering innovation across its network. 

About NC3 

NC3 was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s industries by connecting employers and educational institutions in synergistic partnerships that foster effective training, elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities. In fulfilling its mission, NC3 builds deep industry-educational partnerships and develops, implements and sustains industry-recognized portable certifications and digital badges built on national skills standards. We envision an industrial labor market where all workers have jobs they need to thrive and all companies have well-trained employees they need to operate and grow. Learn more at www.nc3.net.  

Media Contact: 

Alex Brookhouse 
Director of Operations, NC3 
Alexb@NC3.net 
707-217-7073