Oklahoma’s CareerTech system announced a statewide partnership that lets students turn industry certifications into college credit. Through agreements with Oklahoma State University‑OKC and the OSU Institute of Technology, qualifying learners can transfer as many as 42 credits toward a 60‑hour associate degree.

How the credit transfer works

Brent Haken, state director of Oklahoma CareerTech, explained that any student who has earned a CareerTech credential aligned with post‑secondary credit standards will receive that credit automatically. The program applies to a wide range of trades, including automotive service, heating‑ventilation‑air‑conditioning (HVAC), and electrical work.

Students can use the transferred credits to shorten the time needed to complete an associate degree, potentially saving tuition costs. Haken noted, “The hope is that a student can get there quicker, where they need to, and also of course save dollars.” While there are limits on which certifications qualify, the initiative is designed to be flexible and responsive to workforce needs.

No time limits on eligibility

CareerTech officials emphasized that the opportunity is not restricted to current students. Whether a certification was earned last year or a decade ago, the credit can still be applied, removing barriers for adults seeking new employment or career advancement.

“We don’t want to make any barriers to someone getting the job that they want and the workforce getting the people that they need,” Haken said.

Benefits for Oklahomans

The partnership aims to broaden options for Oklahomans who have already mastered valuable skills through industry‑recognized programs. By recognizing those credentials at the college level, the state hopes to strengthen its skilled‑labor pipeline and support families looking for affordable pathways to higher education.

Students interested in finding out whether their specific certification qualifies can contact CareerTech directly through the agency’s website.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.