In this paper the National Institute on Out-of-School Time reviews efforts to create professional and career development systems in the field of youth work. The report describes evidence of the value of credentialing programs in enhancing the workforce and improving the quality of programs and positive outcomes for youth. The report also includes information from the field of early care and education, which has considerable experience with professional development through credentials that provides valuable lessons for the field of youth work. A matrix compares the essentials of many of the programs in both fields.