Gain New Knowledge, Experience and Skills with Micro-Credentials and Badges at ACC!
Short, flexible Micro-Credentials from Austin Community College can add relevant skills to your accomplishments. Learn more about how badges are awarded in one of four categories: micro-credentials, proficiency/mastery, participation, and achievement.
Are you interested in earning an ACC Micro-Credential or Badge? Check out your options depending on your faculty, staff or student role at ACC:
Defining Digital Badges
Digital Badges
Digital Badges
Digital badges are digital/graphic representation of skills, achievements, or competencies earned by an individual. Badges and micro-credentials can be displayed on professional platforms like social media profiles, resumes, or Workday, offering a way to showcase acquired skills.
Digital badges provide a visible and credible recognition of achievements. This offers flexibility in how accomplishments are communicated across different professional or academic environments.
Badges are earned for specific, smaller achievements and milestones, such as attending an event or completing a set number of learning hours. They serve as immediate, visible recognition of progress. In contrast, micro-credentials/certificates & awards are more comprehensive, often requiring the demonstration of deeper competency over a longer period. Micro-credentials may incorporate multiple badges and can lead to more formal recognition, such as credit or course equivalency, reflecting a higher level of mastery or expertise.
Micro-Credentials: Student-Facing Units of Learning
Micro-Credentials
Micro-credentials are small, specialized learning modules or courses that focus on specific skills or competencies. They are designed to be shorter in duration compared to traditional degree programs and often offer targeted training in areas such as technology, business, or education.
These are a student-facing units of learning validated through an instructional program (credit and continuing education alike) which assesses skills, achievements, and are based on a certified mastery of competencies in various fields. Micro-credentials are typically non-credit but may be bundled into larger groupings that equate with a credit course. These tend to reflect a short period of study, such as a few weeks, and are competency-based.
Micro-Certificates
Micro-certificates are larger, specialized learning modules or courses that focus on specific skills or competencies. They are designed to be shorter in duration compared to traditional degree programs and often offer targeted training in areas such as technology, business, or education.
These are a student-facing units of learning validated through an instructional program (credit and continuing education alike) which assesses skills, achievements, and are based on a certified mastery of competencies in various fields. Micro-certificates can be equated with a credit course. These tend to reflect a longer period of study, and are competency-based.
The “higher-level” Micro-Certificates are differentiated by an outlining gold ribbon.
Staff and Faculty Development Awards
Proficiency Award
These badges are competency awards earned by faculty or staff based on the completion of requirements and demonstrating a passing measurable level of proficiency.
Examples: Teaching & Learning Academy, ACC Leadership Academy, Student Affairs Certified Coach
Mastery Award
These badges are competency awards earned by faculty or staff based on the completion of requirements and demonstrating a passing measurable level of mastery assessed by a credentialed professional.
Examples: Teaching & Learning Academy Graduate
The “higher-level” Mastery badges are differentiated by an outlining gold ribbon.
Participation & Achievement Badges
Participation Badges
Participation Badges – These badges acknowledge involvement and effort in activities or events rather than mastery of specific skills. They serve as digital symbols of engagement in professional development and student life.
Examples: Attendance at General Assembly, Participation in a PACS event, Student attendance at 5 on-campus events
These badges are badges earned by students, faculty or staff.
Achievement Badges
Achievement Badges – These badges recognize specific accomplishments through a structured and transparent process. They are awarded based on attendance tracked by tickets, sign-ins, write-ups, or collaborations, as well as meeting achievement benchmarks, voting, selection processes, or time-based requirements. Achievement badges provide motivation and clear milestones for learners and professionals.
Examples: ACC Faculty Fellows, ACC Service Awards, DL Instructor of the Year Award, Chancellors Student Achievement Award
These badges are awards earned by students, faculty or staff.
Suitable is a digital badge delivery platform used to award graphic representations of micro-credentials earned by students, faculty, and staff at ACC. For a complete list of badges that are available at Austin Community College, log into Suitable using your ACC email address and Okta authentication.
Why earn a Micro-Credential?
Flexibility
Learners can choose from a wide range of topics and complete micro-credentials at their own pace.
Relevance
Micro-credentials often focus on current industry needs, providing learners with up-to-date skills.
Recognition
Digital badges provide a portable and verifiable way to showcase skills and accomplishments to employers and peers.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to traditional degree programs, micro-credentials are often more affordable and require less time commitment.
What is the impact of Micro-Credentials?
95%
of university leaders expect micro-credentials to be integrated within most university degree programs in the future
8/10
higher education leaders agree that micro-credentials prepare students for the workforce
70%
of employers recognize and value micro-credentials, viewing them as evidence of job-specific skills and competencies