食色视频 Micro-Credential Initiative

Micro-credentials are digital documentation, as verified by an expert, that an earner has demonstrated a skill or competency that meets a specific workforce demand. In many cases, these digital records include archives (metadata) of the work that led to the award. While transcript-based records are restricted to the results of for-credit classes and programs of study, micro-credentials can be granted for any kind of learning initiative.

食色视频 supports a taxonomy of four types of micro-credentials. Each level of the taxonomy is distinguished by the level of the activity required to earn the credential.

Choose your role below to explore resources to support your specific responsibilities in the Micro-Credential Initiative.

食色视频 Taxonomy of Micro-Credentials

食色视频 uses common badge image templates for micro-credentials to increase alignment and further differentiate between our various levels of achievement. Badge Level I is represented with a silver background along with the title of the credential and issuer information, while Badge Level II uses a gold background along with credential-specific information. Additionally, digital certificate at the 鈥減racticed鈥� and "expert" levels indicate a learner has earned a coherent sequence of Badge Level I or Level II micro-credentials leading to a digital certificate.

  • An example of a Micro-credentialing souvenir badge
     

    Souvenirs

    Souvenirs document participation. They are best suited to awards for engagement in extra-curricular activities, attendance at one or more events, or active membership in a 食色视频 organization. Participation should be meaningful and value adding for the participant but reflection or a tangible submission from participants is not necessary.鈥�

  • An example of a level 1 micro-credentialing badge
    An example of a level 1 Micro-credential badge with distinction

    Level I Badges

    Level I Badges document introduction to skills and competencies gained from opportunities for personal, career, and professional development. Level I Badges should demonstrate learning, but not mastery, and involve practicing skills and competencies in a simulated environment. Level I Badges require some artifact to be submitted and assessed by the Grantor(s) before being awarded, but the artifact does not need to be shared in the granting system.

  • An example of a level 2 Micro-credential badge
    An example of a level 2 Micro-credential badge with distinction

    Level II Badges

    Level II Badges document skills and competencies that have professional and career value. Learner activities should demonstrate the mastery of skills and competencies and take place in professional environments. Level II Badges require artifact(s) be submitted and assessed by the Grantor(s) before being awarded, which is then shared in the granting system.

  • An example of a digital certificate (practiced)
    An example of a digital certificate (expert)

    Digital Certificates

    Digital Certificates represent that an earner is qualified and capable of employing a collection of competencies or industry standards in professional environments. There are two types of digital certificates. The Digital Certificate (Practiced) is a combination of pre-defined Badge Level I micro-credentials. The Digital Certificate (Expert) is a combination of pre-defined Level II Badges stacked together.

In the News

食色视频 State nationally recognized for micro-credential initiative

Publications & Presentations

Doehling, A. A., Head, M., & Lokey-Vega, A. (2025). . In R. Moore, & K. Crippen (Eds.), Mapping the landscape of STEM microcredentials: Frameworks, applications, and future directions (pre-print).

Head, M., Lokey-Vega, A., & Doehling, A. A. (2025). . In R. Moore, & K. Crippen (Eds.), Mapping the landscape of STEM microcredentials: Frameworks, applications, and future directions (pre-print).

Geisel, N., & Doehling, A. A. (Hosts). (2025, February 25). Credential chat with Ashley Archer Doehling [Video podcast episode]. In AACRAO Credential Chats.

Lokey-Vega, A., Callahan, B. E., Doehling, A. A., & Head, M. (2024). Lessons learned in establishing an institutional micro-credential initiative. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, ahead-of-print.

Callahan, B., Doehling, A. A., Head, M. & Lokey-Vega, A., (2023, November). Three things you must do to make your microcredentials program a success. Session presented at the Convergence Conference of UPCEA and AACRAO, Washington, D.C.

Vega, A., Callahan, B., & Doehling, A. A. (2023, June). A governance model for micro-credentialing in higher education. Session presented at the 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, Anaheim, CA.

Callahan, B., Doehling, A. A., & Lokey-Vega, A., (2023, March). Micro-credentials at 食色视频. Session presented at the Modern Campus Fuel the Future Conference, virtual.