Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs)

Career & Technical Education Incentive Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

Class of 2022 Wisconsin IRCs

$500 Student Completion Awards 2020-21 - see below (EMT, EMR, Firefighter, etc).

Industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) grant students access to certificates in the workforce shortage career clusters. The Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) collaborate to develop certifications that recognize the certifying account validity, student accessibility, and rigor.

CTE - Career Technical Education logo
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) logo
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) logo


Student Award Money

Class of 2021


According to Wisconsin State Statutes §106.273(4), high school graduates who earned specific certifications while in high school are eligible to receive $500 for EACH of the certification(s) earned.


For the Class of 2021, these certifications are:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT),

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and /or

• Firefighter I, II, and/or Inspector


Instructions for school personnel:

  • Obtain a student address for the next calendar year in order to enter the claim

  • Provide this form and directions to eligible students

Student Award Directions