California Launches Career Passport Pilot to Connect Workers With Skills-Based Jobs

California on Wednesday launched the pilot phase of the California Career Passport, a digital workforce tool designed to connect job seekers with employers based on skills and experience rather than a four-year college degree.

The pilot demonstration phase begins Wednesday and will run through Aug. 24 involving real users and four selected vendors as part of a structured evaluation process, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced.

Officials said the testing will generate user feedback and technical performance data to guide final vendor selection.

The office said that this initiative is part of Newsom’s broader push to expand access to career pathways and strengthen workforce development systems across the state.

“We’re working to connect qualified Californians to employment opportunities they may have otherwise been overlooked for,” Newsom said in a statement. “California’s Career Passport will be a win-win for our workforce, ensuring that relevant skills, credentials, and real-world experience are recognized.”

Allowing Users to Share Verified Information About Their Career

The tool is being developed to function as a Learning and Employment Record, allowing users to securely share verified information about education, training, military service, job experience and other skills gained outside traditional academic settings. It will combine academic records such as transcripts with verified nontraditional credentials to help employers assess candidates based on demonstrated competencies.

California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary Stewart Knox said the program is intended to strengthen workforce pathways.

“The Career Passport will create connected pathways that help workers and students gain the skills and opportunities they need to thrive,” Knox said. “California is committed to ensuring every person has access to family sustaining careers.”

Officials said the system is being designed through cross-sector collaboration involving state agencies, educational institutions, employers, workforce organizations, and technology providers.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian said the program could expand access to career opportunities and improve outcomes for students by accelerating credit for prior learning.

“Career Passport builds on that promise by making visible the skills and experiences people gain in the classroom, the workplace, military service, apprenticeships, and throughout life,” Christian said.

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