What the Evidence Says—and Doesn’t Say—About Short-Term Credentials

Short-term credentials are attracting unprecedented investment, but how well do they actually work? Drawing on 37 rigorous evaluations representing more than 293,000 participants, this systematic review and meta-analysis examines their impact on credential attainment, employment, and earnings for economically disadvantaged populations. The findings reveal where these programs show promise, where important questions remain, and what it may take to translate short-term training into lasting career mobility.