Administered by ETSU's Office of Professional Development in Clemmer College of Education
Essential Workplace Competencies Certificate

The Essential Workplace Competencies Certificate is a streamlined and affordable credential designed to validate the critical skills employers consistently prioritize in today’s workforce. Rather than requiring additional coursework, this program leverages what students already accomplish in their ETSU classes, pairing it with a structured Workforce Portfolio to demonstrate readiness for career success.



Program Structure
To earn the certificate, participants:

Complete four approved ETSU courses (for credit or audit)
Enroll in the non-credit Workforce Portfolio course, offered through ETSU’s Office of Professional Development
Submit coursework artifacts and reflective statements that illustrate applied skills
Pay only a $100 credentialing fee, making it a highly accessible investment in professional advancement


Why This Certificate Matters
This certificate highlights essential workplace skills that are transferable across industries, including:

Creativity and Innovation – generating new ideas and solving challenges with an entrepreneurial mindset
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving – analyzing complex situations and applying structured decision-making
Professional Communication – adapting written, oral, and digital communication to varied audiences
Collaboration and Teamwork – fostering inclusion, managing conflict, and leading through initiative
Digital and Information Literacy – mastering workplace technologies and responsibly managing digital information
Professionalism, Ethics, and Cultural Competence – demonstrating integrity, adaptability, and effectiveness in diverse environments
Time Management and Productivity – prioritizing tasks, balancing responsibilities, and tracking progress effectively


Career Impact
By completing the certificate, students present employers with a curated portfolio of authentic work products, offering clear evidence of their competencies. This provides a competitive edge in job acquisition, career transitions, and professional advancement. Whether preparing to launch a career, shift fields, or excel in a current role, the certificate signals: “I am ready for today’s workforce.”



Accessibility and Flexibility
The program’s design ensures maximum flexibility, enabling students to build on their existing coursework without extending their time to degree completion. Its affordability—at only $100—makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to strengthen a résumé, showcase applied skills, and gain a formal credential that resonates with employers.

This course requires approval by Clemmer College of Education.