Senate Bill 24-143 Summary

• Establishes a quality nondegree credentials framework to evaluate and ensure quality of certifications, apprenticeship certificates, industry certifications, and postsecondary certificates offered in Colorado.

• Requires the Department of Higher Education to study and recommend adoption of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) as Colorado's standard framework for classifying nondegree credentials by July 31, 2025.

• Mandates beginning January 1, 2026, the Department evaluate nondegree credentials offered through state-recognized programs and provide the Workforce Development Council with lists of quality credentials meeting established standards for inclusion in the Colorado Talent Report.

• Requires the Office of Future of Work to assign ISCED equivalency levels to apprenticeship programs registered after July 31, 2025, with levels posted on apprenticeship certificates and public listings by January 1, 2026, and for programs registered before that date by January 1, 2027.

• Appropriates $124,287 to the Department of Higher Education (1.2 FTE) and $30,000 to the Department of Labor and Employment's Office of Future of Work for fiscal year 2024-25 to implement the credential framework.