Frequently asked questions

What is a credential management company?

A credential management company (CMC) is an association management company that works only on credentialing. Instead of running an association’s membership, events and advocacy, it runs the association’s certification, licensure, certificate or accreditation program, as that organization’s credentialing department. Metacred describes itself as the oldest and largest full service CMC in existence.

What is an association management company (AMC)?

An association management company provides professional staff, infrastructure and management to associations and other nonprofit organizations that do not want to employ all of it themselves. Metacred is an AMC that specializes exclusively in the credentialing facet of association work.

Is Metacred a certification body? Who owns the credential?

No. The credential belongs to the sponsoring organization: the association, board, company or government that sets the standard. Metacred operates the program as that organization’s certification or accreditation department, under its governance.

What is the difference between certification and a certificate?

Certification is independent validation that an individual has the knowledge, skill or ability to practice an occupation at a defined level of competence, and it usually grants a designation. A certificate recognizes completion of a discrete course of study, has a narrower scope, and usually grants no designation.

What is the difference between certification and licensure?

Licensure is mandatory and granted by a government entity: without it you may not practice. Certification is granted by a nongovernmental organization and is usually voluntary, although a government may choose to require it.

What standards do Metacred managed programs follow?

Every program Metacred builds or manages is operated in accordance with globally accepted accreditation standards: NCCA or ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 for certification programs and certifying bodies, ANSI/ICE 1100 for certificate programs, and ANSI’s standards for accredited standards developers. Each of Metacred’s Directors of Credentialing has managed a program to one of those standards.

How does Metacred charge for managing a program?

Full service management is priced as a percentage of the program’s revenue rather than as a flat fee per task or per hour, so Metacred is paid for the same thing the client wants: a program that grows. Vendor services are bought on the combined volume of all Metacred clients, and each client shares the savings. For a study, analysis or new program, request a proposal.

Can Metacred manage a credentialing program outside the United States?

Yes. Metacred develops and manages programs for organizations outside the United States and takes existing programs global. Its bundled exam delivery partner operates a worldwide network of secure test centres. One client, a European medical specialty board, had applicants from 24 countries in its first year.

Where do candidates take exams for a Metacred managed program?

Exams for programs managed by Metacred are delivered through Pearson VUE, at test centres and, where the program allows it, by online proctoring. Candidates schedule, reschedule or cancel through the Pearson VUE page for their certification body.

How do I verify a credential issued by a Metacred managed program?

Many programs issue digital badges through Credly, where a badge can be verified by anyone. Otherwise, contact the certifying body named on the credential; Metacred staff answer on its behalf.

How do I get a proposal from Metacred?

Use the Request a proposal page. The RFP tool takes about 25 minutes and asks the questions a good proposal depends on; Metacred then prepares a comprehensive proposal tailored to your organization. If you are earlier than that, use Request information instead.

Have a question that is not here? Request information and ask it; the answer will come from the person who would run your program.