FAQs
Badging 101 at UMD
What are badges and microcredentials?
Microcredentials represent educational achievements that convey the learning or mastery of specific skills or competencies. A badge is a digital representation of the completion of a microcredential, in much the same way that a diploma is a physical representation of the completion of a degree program. Microcredentials do not appear on a student’s official transcript. Instead, the badge issued can be displayed on a student’s electronic portfolio or LinkedIn profile and will be visible to prospective employers.
What is the value?
Badges communicate to employers specific skills or accomplishments that students have attained while at the University of Maryland. Often, these skills are not obvious from a student’s transcript. Furthermore, there may be activities that don’t appear on the transcript that contribute to the student’s accomplishments. The badge makes these skills evident, and can differentiate students from others with similar academic accomplishments.
How are they used by employers?
Your badges can be displayed on your ePortfolio, your LinkedIn profile, or other professional social media sites. The badge will help to distinguish you from other applicants by highlighting specific skills and accomplishments. Employers can view the badge details to see what was required to earn the badge, and badges issued by the University of Maryland will be verified and backed by the University.
Who is the accrediting authority?
Badges will be issued and validated by the University of Maryland. While students may be able to earn badges from other places, only those issued through this program will indicate that they have been validated by the University of Maryland.
