Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC) & Technical Skills Attainment (TSA)

Approved IRC and TSA List

New IRC and TSA Guidance (Updated 12/15/22)

This guidance document provides the list of approved IRCs, TSAs, and stackable credentials.

Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC) and Stackable Credential Applications

The window for submitting an IRC or Stackable Credential application is open May 1 through May 31. Only Missouri local education agency administrators can submit an application for consideration. 

  • An DESE-recognized IRC is defined as a portable, recognized credential that validates an individual has successfully demonstrated skill competencies in a core set of content and performance standards in a specific set of work-related tasks, single occupational area, or a cluster of related occupational areas.
    • The IRC assessment must be comprehensive in nature to be considered. 
  • A stackable credential is defined as a series of aligned, recognized, preferred, and/or required credentials (stackable) within an industry or sector that support an individual’s ability to obtain related, career employment.
    • Beginning in school year 2020-2021, students earning two stackable credentials in a program area will have the same effect on a district's Perkins V reporting as earning an IRC.

IRC/Stackable Application Questions (subject to change)