Micro-credentials are digital records of a learner’s successful completion of educational activities that lead to professional skills and competencies that are not reflected on a transcript. 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.  

 

Helpful Resources

Micro-Credential Guide

 

Taxonomy Chart Overview

 

Comparison of Badge Levels

 

New Micro-Credential Proposal Guide

 

 

In November 2022, Kennesaw State University updated the images for some of the micro-credentials to increase alignment and further differentiate between our various levels of achievement. Badge Level I is now represented with a silver background along with the title of the credential and issuer information, while Badge Level II retains the gold background. Additionally, we have added a digital certificate at the “practiced” level, which indicates the learner has earned a coherent sequence of Badge Level I micro-credentials leading to a digital certificate.  

 

KSU 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. 

• 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 KSU organization. Participation should be meaningful and value adding for the participant but reflection or a tangible submission from participants is not necessary.  

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

  
  *MCC review required  

Faculty or staff interested in proposing a Badge (Level I or Level II), or Digital Certificate should submit a micro-credential form in Curriculog. The New Micro-Credential Proposal Question Guide can assist in completing this proposal.  

This process for approval mimics the procedures used to propose academic curriculum. The Micro-Credential Committee is a committee of staff and faculty who reviews micro-credentials for alignment with KSU standards. For questions about Curriculog, contact curriculog@kennesaw.edu. 

For faculty and staff interested in proposing a Level I or II Badge, or Digital Certificate it is recommended individuals consult with the Department of Career Planning & Development to assist with skill alignment prior to submitting a proposal. For more information on skill alignment, click here. 

• KSU students, faculty, and staff who engage in micro-credential programs will be able to trumpet their development at KSU in meaningful ways.

• KSU faculty and unit leaders will be able to highlight career-focused elements of their courses, training programs, and extracurricular activities (career prep, speaker series, international, etc.), connecting in-classroom learning with real-world credentials.

• KSU administration will have a convenient tool for measuring engagement. 

Souvenirs are exempt from the approval process outlined above. Instead, depending on the audience of the Souvenir, a request can be submitted through Owl Life (students) or Curriculog (faculty/staff). For more information, please consult the the Micro-Credential Guide or email microcredential@kennesaw.edu.

 

KSU uses Badgr to host approved micro-credentials. Faculty and staff who are approved Grantors for a micro-credential will have a staff account in Badgr. To award a micro-credential to a learner as a Grantor, follow instructions found on the Badgr user-site here.

For questions regarding Badgr access, contact microcredential@kennesaw.edu.  

For students interested in learning about the career benefits of micro-credentials, click here.
 
For a current list of micro-credentials offered at KSU, visit our Badgr site at https://kennesaw.badgr.com/public/organization/badges.