The Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL) is a schema designed to standardize the way credentials and related information are described and shared. It’s essentially a “dictionary” of terms that can be used to create detailed descriptions of credentials, competencies, learning opportunities, and more.
Here are some key points about CTDL:
- Interoperability: CTDL enables data from different sources to be understood and compared easily, making it easier for students, employers, and systems to discover and understand credentials.
- Rich Descriptions: It allows for rich descriptions of credentials, including details like costs, duration, requirements, courses needed, transfer value, and job preparation.
- Linked Data: CTDL uses linked data principles, meaning it can connect credentials to other entities like assessments, learning opportunities, and competencies.
- Open Standards: CTDL is openly available for anyone to use and is maintained by Credential Engine through policies to ensure long-term persistence.
- Comprehensive: The CTDL family includes different schemas for various types of credentials and resources, such as the CTDL Large schema, CTDL Achievement Standards Network (ASN), and Quantitative Data (QData) schema.
CTDL is fundamental to Credential Engine’s tools, including the Credential Finder, which allows users to search, compare, and explore credentials. https://credreg.net/