How It Works
Micro-credentials are short, focused learning and skill development opportunities. These learning opportunities may build on each other, and they are designed to recognize specific skills, knowledge, or competencies. They can help individuals develop marketable skills quickly and can be earned through online courses, in person learning experiences, workshops, or in other ways.
Once you show that you have the knowledge and skills taught, you earn a digital badge, which may be a stand-alone credential (micro-badge) or part of a larger learning pathway (micro-credential).
In the process of earning a series of badges called a micro-credential, you will:
The Learner is in Control!
You choose the learning you need, you choose when and where to share your credentials!
All digital badges we award clearly indicate that you have demonstrated your knowledge or skills. These badges include a link to a site, personalized to you, that tells supervisors or employers what you did, when you did it, what skills you learned, and how you were assessed. It’s easily shareable on resumes and social media so you can get the recognition you deserve!
What’s the Difference Between a Micro-Credential and a Micro-Badge?
A micro-credential consists of three levels of stacked badges that are taken by a learner to show competency in a particular skill. Each micro-credential has an identified set of competencies that the learner has demonstrated through an appropriate assessment. Level 1 covers the introduction and foundational information needed to learn the skill, Level 2 consists of training and practice on how to “do” the skill, and Level 3 consists of real-world application of that skill and feedback.
Micro-badges are stand-alone, single credentials that demonstrate a learner’s competency in a skill or area. They can be incorporated into a micro-credential. These still have an assessment component, but do not necessarily stack with other badges to create a full micro-credential and therefore do not have to include all three levels of training to be earned.
Do you have questions about UMaine Extension’s micro-credential programs?