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.  

To learn more about the workforce alignment and career benefits of micro-credentials, visit the Department of Career Planning and Development.

Kennesaw State University 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.

 

KSU Taxonomy of Micro-credentials

• 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  

 

KSU 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 “practiced”  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.  

 

Both academic and non-academic units can offer micro-credentials at Kennesaw State University. The proposal process is similar to the traditional curriculum process, with review from the Micro-Credential Committee (MCC). The committee reviews micro-credential proposals for alignment to workforce skills and competencies, the degree of fit between the proposal and our taxonomy, and the types of evidence earners provide to be awarded the micro-credential. For more information, please consult the Micro-Credential Guide.

 

Proposing a new micro-credential: 

1.  Issuers contact microcredential@kennesaw.edu indicating their intent to develop a micro-credential.

2.  The micro-credential team will contact prospective issuers to provide customized support.

3.  Issuers will complete and submit the micro-credential proposal form on Curriculog. Issuers are encouraged to consult the Micro-Credential Proposal Guide as a reference. For questions about Curriculog, contact curriculog@kennesaw.edu. 

4.  The proposal will be reviewed by the Department of Career Planning and Development for alignment to workforce skills, as well as the unit leader for the issuer.

5.  The proposal will be reviewed by the Micro-Credential Committee who will either approve the proposal or request changes prior to resubmission.

6.  Final approval is provided by the Micro-Credential Executive Administrator.

7. Once a micro-credential is approved, the micro-credential team will move the credential into production. This steps includes creating micro-credential in Canvas Credentials (our badge hosting site), coordinating with Strategic Communications to develop the credential image, and training the granting unit on how to issue micro-credentials.

 

Implementing and issuing micro-credentials:

Issuers at Kennesaw State University are responsible for implementing and issuing the micro-credentials in Canvas Credentials. To award a micro-credential to a learner as a Grantor, follow instructions found on the Canvas Credentials user-site here. The micro-credential team works with the issuers to identify qualified faculty and staff to issue the credentials and to develop a periodic evaluation plan to ensure continued micro-credential relevancy.