The Beyond Traditional Credentials track highlights credentials other than certifications and licenses. This track features presentations on assessment-based certificate programs, micro-credentials, stackable credentials, and other types of non-traditional credentials.

Examples of topics in the Beyond Traditional Credentials track include:

• The strategic use of non-traditional credentials to support workforce development, upskilling, and DE&I
• The value and implementation of digital badging
• Development of stackable credentials to support career pathway advancement
• Psychometric considerations and approaches to psychometrics for non-traditional credentials
• The relationship between needs assessment, curriculum development, and assessment development in non-traditional credentials
• Development of non-traditional credentialing programs, including partnerships with academia, community groups, workforce boards, or industry partners
• The quality controls and standards necessary for non-traditional credentials to support integration into traditional frameworks
• Considerations, opportunities, and challenges of incorporating non-traditional credentials into certification and/or licensure programs

The Business of Credentialing track focuses on topics related to running a high performing credentialing organization as a business. This track features presentations on organizational governance, legal issues, ethics, DE&I, international expansion, strategic partnerships, and vendor relationships.

Examples of topics in the Business of Credentialing track include:

• Maintaining firewalls between parent organizations, certification bodies, education departments, and service providers
• Maintenance of certification for voluntary certification programs
• Building positive relationships with your testing partners
• Stakeholder management, including vendors, regulators, internal and external customers
• Volunteer management and engagement
• Governance and strategic planning
• Business continuity and risk mitigation, including managing your program during and after a disruption
• Reinvention and pivoting of practices in response to crises
• Pricing strategies, including competitive pricing, regional pricing/global pricing variance
• Sunsetting, changing, or merging certification programs due to low volume, competition, or other market factors
• Legal considerations, including recognition of certification/recertification in legislation
• Peer-based certification program requirement internationally (vs. licensure)
• International considerations (localization, translation, etc.)
• Professional Conduct and Disciplinary program challenges
• Corporate culture to empower employees and maximize engagement
• DE&I, including initiatives in credentialing programs and key stakeholder groups, identification and mitigation of microaggressions, measuring impact of initiatives
• Making your program inclusive and accessible

The Credentialing Innovations track is focused on the breakthroughs and improvements that will take credentialing and credentialing organizations into the future. Addressing everything from emerging technologies to societal and business factors, learn about the trends that directly and indirectly impact our industry and challenge us to remain relevant and resilient. This track explores insights, advancements, and truly new ideas that will help shape the future of credentialing.

Examples of topics in the Credentialing Innovations track include:

• Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in testing and credentialing
• The changing global landscape and its impact on testing and credentialing
• Innovation as a result of disruption in society and our industry, including pivoting during time of disruption
• Innovative business and governance approaches, including program, policy and process reinvention
• New applications of current technology, science, and automation
• Innovative and evolved approaches to psychometrics and test development
• Innovations in training, development, and human resources
• The evolving landscape of remote proctoring
• The gamification of testing
• The Future of Credentialing

The Data Management, Privacy, and Test Security track includes content relevant to practices, processes, tools, and systems for securing and managing data appropriately. This includes new and innovative approaches to test security, as well as compliance with key regulations in the data privacy and security spaces (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

Examples of topics in the Data Management, Privacy, and Test Security track include:

• Best practices for data collection (e.g., what data is being collected, what is the data used for, removing bias from collection practices)
• Data security audits (e.g., how are SME and candidate data gathered and protected, how are items protected throughout the development and use lifecycle)
• Process improvement tools to support test security
• Processes/tools for data gathering
• Trends in data forensics
• Evolutions in exam or program security
• Security in international markets
• Remote or online proctoring considerations for test administration and security

The Marketing and Communications track focuses on strategies to fuel program awareness, value and growth. It highlights innovative ways to communicate and engage with key stakeholders. This track features sessions designed to help credentialing organizations develop, implement, and improve their marketing and communications strategy and tactical execution.

Examples of topics in the Marketing and Communications track include:

• Innovative social media strategies
• New ways to capture and use current data for strategic planning/marketing
• Using data visualization strategies to communicate to stakeholders
• Defining and responding to competitive threats
• Conducting market research to understand what employers and the public need to know about your certification
• How to develop, use, sell, and measure the benefits of your value proposition
• Soliciting feedback from the public and other stakeholders
• Communicating with your stakeholders during and after a crisis
• How to identify emerging and diverse target markets for your certification program
• Creative marketing methods to inspire diversity, equity, and inclusion
• How to use digital credentials to promote credentialing programs
• Maximizing your website presence and addressing accessibility and compliance
• Increasing your communication reach with video, podcasts, and exhibits
• Using AI tools to augment content creation

The Standards and Accreditation track focuses on insights and guidance on the standards under I.C.E.’s Accreditation Services: The NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs, ISO/IEC 17024 Standard, and the ICE 1100 Standards for Assessment-Based Certificate Programs. Sessions in this track provide practical tools and strategies for navigating the accreditation process, ensuring ongoing compliance with these standards, and the value of accreditation.

Examples of topics in the Standards and Accreditation track include:

• Why seek accreditation?
• How do the different accreditations vary in their approach?
• how to choose the right standard for your program's needs
• Quality assurance principles and practices
• Documentation best practices
• Basic tools for process improvement
• Maintaining compliance after accreditation
• Reaccreditation readiness
• Promoting the value of accreditation
• Business considerations for seeking accreditation

The Test Development and Administration track highlights best practices and innovations in test development and psychometrics. From job analysis to item development through standard setting and ongoing administration and maintenance, this track shares lessons learned from tried-and-true approaches to emerging ideas in test development and administration.

Examples of topics in the Test Development and Administration track include:

• How to evaluate and select the best type of assessment and delivery model
• How to make your exam more inclusive and accessible
• Best practices and innovations in job analysis and competency modeling
• Improvements to item development processes and procedures
• Standard setting methodologies
• Performance-based testing
• Methods for monitoring, analyzing, and improving an existing assessment
• Psychometrics 101, 201, and 301
• DE&I considerations in test development and administration
• Business continuity and risk management, including lessons learned, proactive assessment and mitigation planning

The I.C.E. Exchange is designed for all levels of credentialing professionals in both the public and private sectors. Organizations bring professionals ranging from new associates to Executives.

• Approximately 15% of our attendees are C-level
• 25% are at the director level
• 20% are at the manager level

Attendees have a wide variety of experience

• 30% of attendees have 0-6 years’ experience
• 15% of attendees have 6-10 years’ experience
• 20% of attendees have 10-15 years’ experience
• 35% of attendees have 16+ years’ experience

The top reason for attending the conference is the educational programming and networking. This speaks to the overall feel of the meeting – the conference provides the opportunity for the credentialing community to connect and exchange ideas.

To ensure the I.C.E. Exchange has sufficient content for the range of attendee experience levels, all proposals must be categorized into one of the following levels:

Introductory

• Introduce terminology and basic concepts related to the topic area
• Suitable for attendees who are new to this content
• 101 type session

Intermediate

• More in-depth coverage of a topic and/or may focus on a specific area of credentialing
• Provide guidance on implementation, application of knowledge, and/or share lessons learned
• Suitable for attendees who have mastered the fundamentals of the content and would like to gain more extensive knowledge

Advanced

• Discuss technical information, new or cutting-edge developments, and/or strategic considerations
• Suitable for experienced credentialing professionals, attendees who are experienced, and/or have advanced knowledge in this content area

I.C.E. accepts proposals for the following types of sessions:

• Half-day Pre-conference workshop— Scheduled for 3 hours on the first day of the conference, October 24
• Concurrent session— 60-minute presentations. A request for a longer session length can be submitted for consideration (up to 90 minutes). You will be asked to provide an explanation for why you need additional time. Examples of concurrent session formats include:
  • Traditional Concurrent Session: The traditional concurrent session type that features a lecture on a given topic of the presenter’s choice and may also include audience participation, such as a question-and-answer period or audience polling.
  • Debate: Debate sessions feature presenters who represent each side of one or more controversial topics and a moderator who introduces the topic(s) and oversees the debate, including timing. A traditional debate involves the moderator stating a proposition and each side is permitted an equal amount of time to present arguments in favor of and in opposition to the argument. Typically, each side will also have an opportunity to present a rebuttal. Variations on the traditional debate format are permitted.
  • Panel Discussion: Panel discussions feature a panel of experts on a particular topic and a moderator. The goal of the panel discussion is to hear from a variety of individuals with different experiences or perspectives on a topic. The moderator’s role is to introduce the topic, pose questions, facilitate audience questions, and ensure that all panelists have the opportunity to speak. The session should generate spontaneous interaction among panelists, and between panelists and the audience in response to questions posed by the moderator.
  • Focused Tutorial: The primary purpose of the focused tutorial is to educate the audience about a focal credentialing topic. Tutorials are led by an expert and provide a deeper dive into a specific credentialing topic. Attendees who have mastered the fundamentals of a certain topic will have the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of a specific area relating to that topic. For example, the presenters might provide instruction on how to develop a certain item type, explain how to conduct a new kind of statistical analysis, or offer a how-to on running a certain type of meeting.
• Alternative Format—60 minute session delivered in a unique format of your own design. Submitters propose their own unique format and describe it in the "teaching format, methods, and strategies" section of the proposal. A request for a longer session length can be submitted for consideration (up to 90 minutes). You will be asked to provide an explanation for why you need additional time.
• Audience Interaction Session—45-60 minute session that is focused on audience networking and discussion. AV is not provided for these sessions. Examples of formats include:
  • Roundtable discussion: A facilitated discussion in which attendees break into small groups to answer questions, discuss issues, solve problems, etc.
  • Innovation Collaboration: A highly collaborative session in which a panel of participants from different backgrounds shares their unique perspectives and innovates solution to common industry problems posed by the audience.
• Lightning Learning session—15 minute session focused on a specific topic, that shares 3-5 ideas that an individual can directly apply in their work.
• E-Poster—A single PowerPoint slide of information displayed throughout the conference, with the opportunity for authors to host an informal 10-minute discussion.

The Program Committee endeavors to create the most diverse presenter population possible, in support of I.C.E.’s DE&I philosophy, and invites speakers who bring a variety of perspectives to present.

Typically, I.C.E. Exchange presenters are professionals with expertise in various aspects of developing and maintaining credentialing programs:

• Administrative and organizational staff of certification and assessment-based certificate programs
• Psychometricians and other credentialing professionals focused on assessment and methodology
• Credentialing researchers and faculty
• Individuals who have worked with credentialing consultants to develop or enhance credentialing programs
• Credentialing vendor and consultants*

*I.C.E. Exchange attendees value examples of practical application. If you are submitting a proposal and are an employee of a company that provides products or consulting services to credentialing organizations, you must co-present with at least one additional organization. Preference will be given to vendors/consultants who partner with a credentialing organization. If two or more vendors/consultants are presenting together, preference will be given to those who submit a proposal that clearly represents the credentialing organization perspective.

Session proposals that are judged to include marketing or advertisements for products and services will not be accepted.

Session Limitations for Speakers

To promote diverse content, viewpoints, and presentation styles, speakers are not permitted to present more than two concurrent sessions at the conference.

Promotion Limitation 

Promotion of specific product solutions or services is not permitted in educational sessions. Inclusion of such material may preclude the organizers from being allowed to submit proposals for future I.C.E. conferences. Please be careful that your case study does not accidentally turn into a product solution showcase.

All proposals MUST be submitted through the online proposal system by 11:59 pm ET on the deadline and MUST include all required fields. Late proposals will not be accepted by the I.C.E. Program Committee.

2023 Proposal Timeline

• February 16: Call for Proposals Opens
• March 30: Call for Proposals Closes
• June 1: Proposals Notifications Shared with Main Contacts

Tips for Submitting

You can complete your proposal in multiple sittings. Remember to submit your proposal before the deadline. Only the proposal submitter can make edits to the proposal.

To prepare to submit, gather your information and resources before beginning the application. You may consider typing all required information in a separate document before copying and pasting (in plain text) and can download a word document of the 2023 I.C.E. Exchange Proposal Form.

The following information will be asked:

• Title
• Proposal Category (your session format: concurrent, alternative format, e-poster, etc.)
• Track (with option to select a secondary track)
• ICE-CCP Content Domain session aligns with
• Target Audience - Role and Program
• Target Audience - Level of Content
• I.C.E. Exchange Program Description* (brief description of your session)
• Presentation Description (describes your session goals and objectives, reviewed by the Program Committee)
• Teaching Formats, Methods, Strategies
• Learning Objectives (3-5)
• Presenter information and bios (to be completed by each individual)

* If your proposal is accepted, the program description will be listed in conference promotional pieces including the website and mobile app. The session description should be written with particular attention to attracting attendees and submitted in the correct format on the proposal submission form. I.C.E. reserves the right to edit session descriptions as needed to fit in marketing materials. I.C.E. Requests session descriptions are approximately 300 words.

Main Contact

The individual who submits the proposal will serve as the point of contact with I.C.E.. Their responsibilities include: (1) answer any questions I.C.E. may have regarding the proposal, (2) accepting to present the session on behalf of all session presenters, and (3) confirming session information. Please confirm in advance that any presenters listed in your session proposal are committed to speaking in -person if your session is selected.

If this is your first time submitting a proposal to present at the Exchange or you did not submit in 2022, you will need to set up a profile and agree to the Privacy Policy.

• When you access the submission site for the first time, under "New Users" click "Join Now."
• Enter your personal information
• Set up your Access Key, which will be your password
• Review, and sign and agree to the Consent Form

If you submitted a proposal in 2022, you can use the log-in credentials you created in 2022.

• When you access the submission site, you will enter your information under the "Already a User?" section.
• Enter the email address you used to submit a profile last year
• Enter your Access Key (your password). If you forgot your password, click "Lost your Access Key?"

Entering a Proposal

• Start by entering your title and session format 
• Enter your presenters (up to 4 total)
  • Add each presenter's name, e-mail, and how they will serve on your session (presenter or moderator).
  • If you, the proposal submitter, are also speaking, add yourself as a presenter.
  • "Invite" each speaker to complete their own profile information. They will receive an e-mail with the session title, the proposal submitters name, and a request to add their profile information. Invited speakers can preview the full submission but can not make session changes.
• Complete the proposal form, entering all required information. Click "Save" after each access.
• When ready, click submit and receive your confirmation email. 

I.C.E. will require all speakers to agree to our speaker policy.

Those submitting a proposal understand that all individuals listed as part of the presentation team must register and pay for the I.C.E. Exchange conference as well as assume responsibility for any expenses related to travel to the Exchange if accepted; there are no exceptions to this policy.

In 2023, all sessions will be hosted in-person. We recommend you confirm with all your co-presenters can attend the conference in-person before you submit.

After the original proposal is accepted, speaker substitutions or additions must be requested in writing and approved by the I.C.E. Program Committee. The committee reserves the right to help identify an appropriate speaker/presenter or reject a previously accepted session based on speaker changes.

Cancellation Policy 

 

Once a session has been accepted and printed in promotional materials, it imposes a serious burden to I.C.E. to cancel. Please do not submit a proposal if you are uncertain that you will be able to fulfill your obligation to organize and conduct the session. 

If for any reason you anticipate a change in your ability to present at an in-person event, please notify I.C.E. staff at speakers@credentialingexcellence.org.We may use content for those who cannot travel for future educational programming.