Montana Launches Statewide Industry Recognized Credential Registry Under STARS Act, Setting a New National Standard for Career-Ready Education
- — December 01 2025
Helena, MT – The Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) today announced the adoption of the state’s first comprehensive list of industry recognized credentials under House Bill 252, the STARS Act, creating a clear, statewide pathway for students to earn credentials that lead directly to in-demand careers. The new registry represents a major milestone in Montana’s effort to align education with workforce needs and reward school districts that expand career-connected learning.
“With today’s announcement, Montana is taking the lead in ensuring students gain in-demand skills and are able to pursue the American dream,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “This registry builds on our success and opens a new chapter in preparing our workforce.”
“Today’s announcement marks a turning point in how Montana prepares its future workforce. For too long, talented students completed career and technical education without receiving recognition for the real credentialed competencies they gained,” DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson said. “This registry changes that. It financially rewards schools for offering meaningful pathways, gives students credentials that open doors, and strengthens the ability of Montana communities to grow our own skilled workforce.”
The STARS Act ensures that students receive credit for credentials valued by employers and also provides funding to school districts based on the number of CTE-equivalent credits earned by high school students. While other states are working to maintain public credential databases or to factor credential attainment into their school accountability systems, Montana is one of the first in the nation to pair a statewide credential registry with school funding incentives, called Future Ready payments, tied directly to industry-recognized credentials.
“Montana is leading – not following,” said Lance Melton, Executive Director of the Montana School Boards Association. “Other states are building registries or studying future incentives, but STARS places Montana at the forefront of the pack. We aligned education and workforce systems in a way that is practical, transparent, and rooted in employer demand.”
“The STARS Act is designed to ensure that students graduate with credentials backed by real employer need,” said Representative Llew Jones (R-Conrad), sponsor of HB 252. “Credentials are currency in today’s economy. When students hold credentials valued by industry, they gain mobility, opportunity, and confidence, and our state benefits from a stronger, more capable workforce. Montana’s economy needs more graduates who are ready to contribute on day one. The STARS Act gives schools the resources to build programs that produce qualified, credentialed graduates ready for high-demand jobs.”
Business leaders praised Montana’s industry-recognized credential registry as a critical tool for strengthening Montana’s talent pipeline:
Todd O’Hair, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, said: “The registry gives employers increased confidence in the skills students bring into the workforce and reduces friction in the hiring process. Montana businesses are hungry for talent. When students graduate with industry-recognized credentials, it shortens training time and improves the match between young workers and the jobs available across the state.”
“The healthcare industry in Montana offers great opportunities for Montana students, said Ed Buttrey, President and CEO of the Montana Hospital Association. “Providing a pathway for Montana students to earn credentials in healthcare will ultimately reward our kids with good paying jobs in a high-demand industry and allow them to remain in Montana. Montana hospitals stand ready to work with the State, our schools, and students to prepare the next generation of healthcare workers.”
Adam Gilbertson, Vice President for RDO Equipment Companies and Chairman of the Montana State Workforce Innovation Board, emphasized that the registry provides clarity for both students and employers. “What employers want are skills that transfer directly to the workplace,” Gilbertson said. “By focusing on credentials aligned with actual labor-market demand, Montana is sending a clear signal to students about where opportunities are and giving employers a reliable indicator of who is ready to work.”
The STARS Act registry was informed in part by DLI’s 15-City Montanans at Work statewide tour, which brought together hundreds of Montana students, teachers, business owners, tribal leaders, elected officials, and community leaders to identify barriers and opportunities across the state’s workforce system.
“Every community had the same message,” Swanson said. “Montanans want more opportunities for their kids to learn real skills, earn real credentials, and stay in Montana for good-paying careers. This registry reflects what we heard everywhere, from Miles City to the Flathead, Butte to Wolf Point, across the Hi-Line, and in our tribal communities.”
The industry-recognized credentials registry adopted today reflect high-demand industries including healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, education and childcare, and more.
“The Future Ready payment will further open doors to industry training and college credit for Montana high school students so that they graduate career ready,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian. “The Montana University System is delighted to partner with DLI, OPI, and industry leaders to make this forward-looking policy a reality.”
Under the STARS Act, districts can earn Future Ready Payments based on the number of CTE-equivalent credits earned through approved industry-recognized credentials. The statewide registry identifies which credentials qualify, ensuring that they are aligned with employer needs. Today’s rule adoption is the first statewide approval, establishing the initial list and the process for ongoing updates. The rule requires annual updates to account for evolving workforce needs and a petition process for school districts to recommend additional credentials in between rulemakings.
“This registry is designed to grow and evolve every year.” Swanson said. “If a credential matters to Montana employers and supports opportunities for students, it belongs on the list. DLI will reopen rulemaking in Spring 2026 to ensure we capture any credential missed in this first adoption.”
Final rules for the credential registry are found in Subchapter 24.22.4 of the Administrative Rules of Montana. The current list of industry recognized credentials is available at montanaworks.gov. An interim rulemaking in Spring 2026 will add work-based learning experiences, and the full credential list will be updated annually.
Contact
Jennifer Owen: Director, State Workforce Innovation Board