Top Story...

California Career Passport Pilot Seeks Participants

Posted on 07/28/2026

California has launched the pilot phase of the California Career Passport, a new digital tool designed to help individuals showcase their skills, credentials, education, training, and work experience to employers - four-year college degree not required. The pilot demonstration phase runs through August 24, 2026, and will help the state evaluate potential technology solutions before selecting a final platform.

💲Stipend Available for Pilot Volunteers

According to the Career Passport pilot flyer, adults interested in testing the platform may be eligible for a $100 stipend for participation, as long as they are 18 or older, currently enrolled in a workforce activity or summer program. Adult educators can share this with their students!

Promotional graphic for California's Career Passport offering $100 for one hour of feedback. Features details on a free digital wallet for verified skills and encourages public participation.

More About This Initiative

The initiative is a partnership between the State of California and the California Community Colleges system and is part of broader efforts to strengthen career pathways, increase access to family-sustaining jobs, and connect education and workforce systems.

This is part of Governor Gavin Newsom's Master Plan for Career Education. The Career Passport aims to support skills-based hiring by giving Californians a secure, verifiable way to share records of learning and employment. The tool is being developed to combine traditional academic records, such as high school and college transcripts, with credentials earned through apprenticeships, military service, job training, workforce programs, and other learning experiences.

The California Career Passport is based on the concept of a Learning and Employment Record (LER), a digital record that documents skills gained through both formal and informal learning. Supporters believe the tool will help employers identify qualified candidates more efficiently while expanding opportunities for veterans, adult learners, apprentices, and workers whose experience may not be reflected by a traditional degree alone.