Credentials & Certifications
Every Student Prepared for Success
At Leyden High Schools, our mission is for every student to graduate college and career-ready. We provide a wide range of opportunities in Business, Family and Consumer Science, and Industrial Technology, where students can earn industry-recognized certifications while they learn. These credentials validate real skills and give students a competitive edge as they transition to college, apprenticeships, or careers.
Why Certifications Matter in Today’s Job Market
Earning a recognized certification is one of the most effective ways for students to showcase their knowledge and readiness for the real world:
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Hiring managers value certifications: A large majority of employers report that professional certifications are an important factor in hiring decisions.
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Certifications boost confidence and career mobility: In recent industry surveys, more than 80% of professionals say earning a certification helped them pursue new opportunities, and over 60% received or expected a promotion after earning one.
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Salary advancements are real: Nearly one-third of certified professionals reported a salary increase after earning a certification, and many of those increases were significant — with about 31% of raises exceeding 20%.
Industry certifications not only help students stand out in a competitive job market — they also demonstrate commitment to learning, adaptability, and mastery of technical and professional skills.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Did you know? Through Triton College’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process, students may earn college credit or have required courses waived by demonstrating college-level learning gained through industry-recognized credentials, certifications, or prior experiences.
This pathway allows students to save time, reduce college costs, and accelerate their progress toward a degree or credential—all while validating the skills they have already mastered. Explore some of the CPL opportunities available below.
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
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Microsoft Office: Access = CIS 157 Microsoft Access I
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Microsoft Office: Excel = CIS 155 Microsoft Excel I & CIS 161 Microsoft Excel II
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Microsoft Office: Word =CIS 140 Microsoft Word I & CIS 142 Microsoft Word II
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- CompTIA A+ credential = CIS 105 A+ PC Hardware & Software & CIS 106 A+ PC Maintenance & Repair
- CompTIA Network+ credential = CIS 210 Data Communications & Networking Fundamentals
Other Credentials
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) -Offered in TSI
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Offered in Metals I & II
- Food Handler Certificate - Offered in Culinary Basics
- Early Childhood Education-Level 1 Certiļ¬cation - Offered in Preschool