WISE Certification® Awarded Iowa’s Industry-Recognized Credential

DES MOINES, IA - WISE Certification has been approved for inclusion on Iowa's Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC) list, earning Tier 3 status under the Iowa Department of Education's tiered system for the 2026-27 academic year.

Iowa schools can now integrate WISE® (Wireless Industry Service Excellence) Certification into high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs while accessing state and federal funding to support wireless device repair training and examination. The program ensures students preparing for high-demand careers gain skills built on industry-validated standards.

"The wireless industry is dedicated to operationalizing global standards that drive consistency and professional excellence across the secondary market," said Michelle James, CTIA Vice President, Strategic Industry Programs. "Our focus remains on expanding the WISE workforce pipeline to meet the growing demand for certified talent, providing companies with the skilled professionals necessary to support a high-quality, trusted electronics ecosystem."

"This designation gives our students a credential that employers immediately recognize and value," said Jason Dewater, CEO at iFixAmerica, a licensed training partner for WISE Certification. "It creates more opportunities for graduates to enter the workforce with confidence, and the skills employers are looking for."

By organizing credentials into tiers, Iowa's IRC system helps students, families, and educators identify certifications aligned with high-demand, high-skill career pathways. Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, schools can implement WISE Certification within CTE programs, supporting workforce readiness while providing employers with a trusted benchmark for hiring qualified, job-ready technicians.

WISE Certification is the industry's first and only recognized standard for mobile device repair. Established by CTIA, the wireless industry association, the program was developed through a collaborative effort of leading carriers, OEMs, and reverse logistics providers to ensure a consistent, high-quality repair experience for consumers. As a CTIA Certification program, WISE Certification provides the technical curriculum and hands-on validation required to verify a technician's expertise.