1. plural of credentialism; systems, practices, or ideologies that emphasize or overemphasize the importance of formal credentials, degrees, or certificates as measures of competence or qualification
Usage: usually used in critical or analytical contexts; often refers to institutional or professional bias toward formal qualifications

Examples

• Critics argue that credentialisms in hiring practices exclude talented individuals without degrees.
• The debate over credentialisms in academia raises questions about whether degrees truly measure competence.
• Some employers are moving away from credentialisms and focusing more on demonstrated skills.
• Credentialisms can create barriers for career changers who lack formal qualifications.
• The rise of alternative certifications challenges traditional credentialisms in the tech industry.