Micro-Credentials & Digital Badges

Earn Recognized Skills. Showcase Your Impact

Austin Community College (ACC) offers flexible micro-credentials and digital badges that validate learning, professional growth, leadership, and achievement.

What are micro-credentials & digital badges?

At ACC, a micro-credential is a stackable, outcomes-based learning experience tied to validated skills or competencies. Micro-credentials reflect demonstrated mastery at a curricular level.

Micro-credentials:

  • Align with instructional programs (credit or non-credit)
  • Require assessment of skills or knowledge
  • Are competency-based
  • May include a capstone or portfolio
  • Can stack toward larger credentials or academic goals
  • May be developed in collaboration with industry partners

A digital badge is a visual symbol of recognition representing achievement, participation, skill-building, or professional development. 

A digital badge is a visual symbol of recognition representing achievement, participation, skill-building, or professional development.

Badges:

  • May recognize participation or attendance
  • Can represent competency-based achievements
  • Are used across departments
  • Provide portable, shareable documentation of accomplishments
  • Can be displayed on resumes, LinkedIn, social platforms, or Workday

Badges are flexible. Some are tied to assessment; others recognize engagement or distinction.

Why micro-credentials matter

95%

of university leaders expect micro-credentials to be integrated into degree programs.

8/10

higher education leaders agree micro-credentials prepare students for the workforce.

95%

of university leaders expect micro-credentials to be integrated into degree programs.

At ACC, micro-credentials help learners demonstrate relevant, workforce-ready competencies while documenting meaningful engagement.

Why earn a micro-credential?

Flexibility

Complete credentials at your own pace across a wide range of topics.

Relevance

Gain up-to-date skills aligned with industry and professional standards..

Recognition

Receive verifiable digital documentation of your skills and achievements.

Cost-Effectiveness

Shorter and often more affordable than traditional degree pathways.

Badge categories at ACC

Badges fall into four categories:

1.
Micro-credential/micro-certificate

Competency-based learning experiences tied to validated skills, awarded through an instructional program.

2.
Proficiency/mastery awards

Professional development credentials demonstrating measurable levels of proficiency or mastery.

3.
Participation award

Recognition of engagement or attendance at events and programs.

4.
Achievement award

Recognition of distinguished accomplishments, leadership, service, or institutional awards.

How to get started

New to Suitable? Visit the About Suitable page to learn more about the platform and how to access your account so you can start learning today! Or, log in to Suitable using your ACC email and Okta authentication to view, track, and share your badges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t see your question? Reach out below

Visit the About Suitable page for information about Suitable, how to get started earning badges, FAQs, and contact information for additional help.

To add your Suitable badges to your LinkedIn profile, view Suitable’s Sharing Badges to LinkedIn via the Mobile App for a step-by-step tutorial.

To view the badge development process, visit the Develop a Badge page.