What are micro-credentials?
A micro-credential is a short, focused learning experience that develops a specific skill or competency that is valued by employers. Micro-credentials typically are validated by assessing the skill or competency and awarding a digital badge when a learner has demonstrated mastery.
At UCR, micro-credentials are:
1. Competency-based: Competencies are discrete sets of knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired by learners – also referred to as Learning Outcomes (LOs).
2. Aligned with Workplace/Post-Graduation needs: Micro-credentials develop competencies that are valued and enhance success in the workplace and/or in a post-graduate degree.
3. Rigorous: Micro-credentials use rigorous assessment methods to show that a learner has acquired the specified competencies.
4. Comprehensive: Micro-credentials have a culminating project or experience that requires the learner to reflect on how the competencies align with their own personal and professional growth.
5. Stackable and Portable: To the extent possible, micro-credentials should be designed so they can serve as part of a series (stackable), either at UCR or elsewhere (portable).
6. Verifiable: UCR partners with a third party platform, Accredible, which issues verifiable badges after learners demonstrate mastery.
7. Not for academic credit: Whether or not micro-credentials require completion of credit-bearing coursework, they do not convey academic credit above and beyond that coursework. Microcredentials are not a backdoor into credit-bearing courses: if a micro-credential requires completion of credit-bearing coursework, then learners must be eligible UCR students.
8. Issued in digital format: Micro-credentials are not part of a learner’s academic transcript but the badges issued by Accredible may appear on a co-curricular transcript or LinkedIn profile.
9. Distinct from degrees and professional certificates: Degrees and professional certificates (offered by University Extension) are credit-bearing, transcripted, and approved by the Academic Senate.
Want to earn a micro-credential?
A list of micro-credentials available at UCR is available at https://badges.ucr.edu/. Clicking "see more" next to each program will take you to the website where you can enroll and get started. You may also visit this site if you have previously earned a micro-credential at UCR, and wish to review and use your badge.
Here are direct links to pages with more information about some of the most commonly offered micro-credentials at UCR:
Want to offer a micro-credential?
If you represent a UCR entity wishing to offer a new micro-credential, please complete the following online form:
Micro-credential Review Committee Members
- Ken Baerenklau, Associate Provost (Chair)
- Brian Haynes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
- Lidia Kos, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate Divison
- Alex Najera, Chief Human Resources Officer
- Louie Rodriguez, Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education
- Kevin Vaughn, Dean for University Extension