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We live in a world where you can go to school and get a degree in comics art, but unfortunately there's no degree to run the delightful mixture of art-meets-commerce that is working at a comic shop. But, now we have the next big thing.

Comic shop workers can now get C.R.E.D.I.T. for what they know, and what they learn. 'C.R.E.D.I.T.' stands for Comic Retailer Education Development and Industry Training. This is a new program launched by ComicsPRO, the primary trade organization for comic book store workers, and its VP (and director of education) Shannon Live of Bradenton, Florida's Bat City Comics Professionals... one of the world's only 501 (3) (c) nonprofit comic stores.

"In today's job market, certifications can help boost an employee's value, making them stick out above other candidates," reads a statement from ComicsPRO. "Having a tangible, measurable understanding of information also helps showcase a retailer's industry experience and dedication when applying for loans and other important assistance options. Not only that, but the more we learn and grow with and from each other, the stronger our industry becomes as a whole!"

The first official C.R.E.D.I.T. conference will be held August 27 and 28 under the name 'Hey Kids! Comic Shops!’ This virtual event will focus on children's literature, with panels and workshops about this topic, as well as a town hall and a certification test at the end to earn your C.R.E.D.I.T. Kid Lit accreditation. For more information on the 'Hey Kids! Comic Shops!' event, find out more info (and sign up, even!) here. 

Classes will include:

• Building & stocking kids section
• Diversity in kids lit
• Determining age-appropriateness
• Manga for all ages
• Bridging the gap - young adult lit for growing readers
• Creating in-store kids programs
• Working with schools & libraries
• Stocking kid lit in a world of book bans & challenges
• Marketing to kids & families

 
As a comics fan, this sounds interesting. As a comics journalist, this sounds like something you may be interested in. As a comics journalism editor, this sounds like something I should enroll in as well! 

Interested? Here's where to find your closest local comic store, courtesy of Sweet, and here's a guide to how (and where) to read comics online. If you're looking for the best comics in recent memory, check out the Eisner Awards winners and the Harvey Awards nominees. And if you like free comics, here's everything we know about Free Comic Book Day 2027.