ICE is pleased to provide the following terminology documents to help credentialing professionals, employers, and the general public with their understanding of credentialing terms.

Defining Features of Quality Certification and Assessment-Based Certificate Programs (PDF file) © 2008 ICE

Free Download - In January 2007, the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) Board of Directors established a Certificate Task Force to identify characteristics of quality certification and assessment-based certificate programs and outline the distinguishing features of each.  This defining features document served as the basis for ICE 1100 - Standard for Assessment-Based Certificate Programs.

The ICE Basic Guide to Credentialing Terminology (PDF file) © 2006 ICE

Free Download - This useful guide combines the glossary from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs and The ICE Guide to Understanding Credentialing Concepts. The intent of this document is to clarify terms that are used in relation to programs that grant formal recognition to individuals or entities during the credentialing process. 

The ICE Guide to Understanding Credentialing Concepts (PDF file) © 2005 ICE

Free Download - Despite the widespread use of professional designations, credentialing terms are often misused and general concepts often misunderstood. ICE developed The ICE Guide to Understanding Credentialing Concepts to assist its stakeholders, including legislators, educators, employers, credentialing agencies, professionals and the public, in understanding and correctly using credentialing terms and concepts.