As workforce development professionals and employers face ongoing talent challenges, industry-recognized credentials offer a proven pathway to quickly and cost-effectively prepare job-ready candidates. Literacy Pittsburgh's comprehensive credentialing programs bridge the skills gap by equipping adults with the certifications employers actively seek—without requiring traditional degree programs.
Our programs serve adults 18 and over in Allegheny and Beaver counties, providing accessible training that meets your workforce needs while supporting individuals in building sustainable careers. Our programs include industry-recognized technical Credentials in digital skills and bookkeeping, essential workplace skills training, and strategic partnerships
Industry-Recognized Technical Credentials
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
Our MOS preparation classes (available in Associate Word, Associate Excel, and Expert Excel) develop the advanced productivity software skills employers need. MOS-certified employees demonstrate verified proficiency in the Microsoft Office applications that drive business operations across all industries.
Intuit Certification Programs
QuickBooks Certification Prep produces candidates ready to handle financial record management, payroll processing, and business reporting—essential skills for small businesses and accounting departments.
Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional Prep prepares professionals who can step into bookkeeping roles immediately, reducing onboarding time and training costs.
Essential Workplace Skills Training
Customer Service Class with IBM SkillsBuild and DDI Certification
Our Customer Service program delivers dual industry-recognized credentials that validate both technical customer service competencies and professional communication skills. Graduates earn IBM SkillsBuild digital badges demonstrating proficiency in customer relationship management, problem-solving, and communication—transferable skills valuable across departments and industries.
Through our partnership with PA Women Work, participants also earn DDI (Development Dimensions International) certification in Communicating for Success, equipping your workforce with the interpersonal effectiveness employers consistently identify as critical for team collaboration and customer-facing roles.
Google Career Certificates: Fast-Track to High-Demand Roles
Google Career Certificates provide accelerated pathways to entry-level positions in high-growth fields, including data analytics, project management, IT support, and user experience design. These employer-recognized credentials prepare job-ready candidates in as little as six months, with no degree or prior experience required.
Broad Accessibility: Google Career Certificates are available to any adult—including your current employees, partner organization staff, and community members—making this an excellent upskilling option for workforce development initiatives.
Strategic Partnerships Expanding Workforce Development Capacity
COABE Partnership: eCornell Access
Through our partnership with the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE), we provide participants with access to eCornell—Cornell University's professional development platform. This Ivy League-quality training covers leadership, management, data analytics, hospitality, and more, delivering advanced workforce development at scale.
Upwardly Global: Leveraging Immigrant Talent
Our partnership with Upwardly Global addresses a critical workforce opportunity: skilled immigrants seeking to re-enter professional careers matching their education and experience. Participants access Coursera, eCornell, National Healthcare Association certifications, OSHA training, and specialized platforms that help internationally trained professionals gain U.S.-recognized credentials and navigate licensing requirements—unlocking an often-overlooked talent pool for regional employers.
COABE and Upwardly Global resources are available to active Literacy Pittsburgh students.
Addressing Your Workforce Challenges
These credentialing programs are intentionally designed to serve working adults, parents, and individuals overcoming barriers to employment—precisely the populations many employers struggle to reach. Our stackable credential approach allows participants to build skills progressively, entering the workforce sooner while continuing to advance their credentials alongside employment.
Key advantages for workforce development partners:
- Flexible, self-paced options accommodate working schedules
- Industry-recognized credentials employers trust
- Comprehensive support services increase completion rates
- Pathways serve diverse populations including skilled immigrants
- Programs address both immediate hiring needs and long-term career development
Partnership Opportunities
Program Eligibility and Access
Microsoft Office Specialist, Intuit Certifications, and Customer Service programs are available to Literacy Pittsburgh students. Employers and workforce partners can refer candidates or explore custom cohort opportunities.
Google Career Certificates are available broadly to any adult—including your current employees, partner organization staff, and community members you serve.
COABE and Upwardly Global resources serve active Literacy Pittsburgh students, including skilled immigrants seeking professional re-entry.
Adults 18 and over in Allegheny and Beaver counties are eligible to become Literacy Pittsburgh students.
Upcoming Training Cohorts
Customer Service, QuickBooks Certification Prep, and Microsoft Office Specialist Excel cohorts launch in April.
Year-Round Options
Google Career Certificates, IBM SkillsBuild, and Upwardly Global programs are available year-round and self-paced, allowing participants to balance training with work schedules.
Comprehensive Support Infrastructure
We provide staff assistance with enrollment, program navigation, and Open Lab access, where participants work with facilitators who provide technical support—critical services that improve completion rates and training ROI.
For information about partnership opportunities,custom training cohorts, or program details, contact Nicole Mannino Johnson at njohnson@literacypittsburgh.org. To refer participants contact Vince DeStefano at vdestefano@literacypittsburgh.org or complete the Career Development interest form.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
