Utah Tech University

Microcredentials

Propose New Microcredential

Definition

Microcredentials are various types of awards verifying that specific outcomes have been achieved by the learner and provide more granular verification of specific technical content and professional knowledge and skills.  Digital badges or certificates are examples of microcredentials.  At Utah Tech, microcredentials are awarded for a variety of short programs or courses, either credit or non-credit, that include demonstration of specific knowledge, skills, and/or competencies.  The focus of the microcredential programs at Utah Tech is on high demand workplace competencies.

Value

While it takes several years to earn an academic degree, a microcredential can be earned in just a few weeks or in a semester or two.  Documentation and verification of an earned microcredential can be immediately available on the learner’s digital device–a phone or computer, for instance–and can be provided to prospective employers on demand.

Academic Quality

Official Utah Tech microcredentials are of the highest quality, having been reviewed by a committee of faculty, staff and students prior to approval.  They contain learning standards, assessments, and clear documentation of transportable skills mastered that travel with learners through their career.

Information for Learners

How does my microcredential get displayed as a badge?

Utah Tech has partnered with Credly to translate the learning outcomes you’ve demonstrated into a badge, issued and managed through their Acclaim Platform.  The technology Credly uses on its Acclaim Platform is based on the Open Badge Standards maintained by IMS Global.  This enables you to manage, share and verify your competencies digitally.

What are the benefits of a badge?

Representing your skills as a badge gives you a way to share your abilities online in a way that is simple, trusted and can be easily verified in real time.  Badges provide employers and peers concrete evidence of what you had to do to earn your credential and what you’re now capable of.  Credly’s Acclaim Platform also offers labor market insights, based on your skills.  You can search and apply for job opportunities right through the Acclaim Platform.

How will I know if I have earned a badge?

Representing your skills as a badge gives you a way to share your abilities online in a way that is simple, trusted and can be easily verified in real time.  Badges provide employers and peers concrete evidence of what you had to do to earn your credential and what you’re now capable of.  Credly’s Acclaim Platform also offers labor market insights, based on your skills.  You can search and apply for job opportunities right through the Acclaim Platform.

What if I don't want my badge to be public?

You can easily configure your privacy settings in the Acclaim Platform.  You’re in complete control of the information about yourself that is made public.

Is there a fee to use Credly's Acclaim Platform?

No. This is a service we provide to you, at no cost.

What's to keep someone else from copying my badge and using it?

While badges are simply digital image files, they are uniquely  linked to data hosted on Credly’s Acclaim Platform.  This link to verified data makes them more reliable and secure than a paper-based certificate.  It also eliminates the possibility of anyone claiming your credential and your associated identity.

What are labor market insights and how can I access them through Credly's Acclaim Platform?

Labor Market insights are pulled from live job requisitions.  Based on your skills you can learn which employers are hiring, what job titles you might be qualified for, salary ranges and more.  Search active job listings and even apply for them with just a few clicks through the Acclaim Platform.  Access the labor market insights from your badge details page by clicking on Related Jobs, or by clicking on the skill tags assigned to your badge.

Can I export badges issued through Credly's Acclaim Platform to other badge-storing platforms?

Yes, you can download your badge from the Share Badge page.  Your downloaded badge contains Open Badge Infrastructure (OBI) compliant metadata embedded into the image.  This allows you to store your badge on other OBI-compliant badge sites, such as the Mozilla backpack.

Where and how can I share my badge through Credly's Acclaim Platform?

You can share your badge directly from the Acclaim Platform to LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook; over email; embedded in a website or in your email signature.