noun
- the practice of requiring specific qualifications or credentials for employment or advancement, often regardless of actual ability or experience
Usage: academic; sociological
Examples
- Many entry-level jobs now require college degrees due to credentialism.
- Critics argue that credentialism prevents qualified workers from advancing.
- The company’s credentialism made it difficult for experienced workers without degrees to get promoted.
- Some employers are moving away from credentialism and focusing on skills instead.
- Credentialism has contributed to rising education costs as more people seek degrees.
- The tech industry has begun questioning credentialism in favor of coding bootcamps.