Microcredentials at MC
Montgomery College offers students and employees the opportunity to earn microcredentials through digital badges. These portable, skill-based credentials recognize learning that is directly tied to workforce and academic pathways. Each badge validates a specific set of competencies and includes embedded details that explain what was learned, how it was assessed, and how it connects to real-world applications.
Our digital badges are available to current students and employees, at no cost, and designed with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to support a wide range of learner needs. We aim to prioritize transferable skills, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, innovation, and leadership, because these are the competencies employers consistently seek. Digital badges can be earned through classroom experiences, cohort programs, and independent learning options. Each credential is grounded in experiential, competency-based learning and aligns with national standards such as the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. Designed to be recognized across academic and professional settings, these badges can be shared, combined, and built upon over time to support continued growth.
All badges are awarded through a secure digital platform that makes it easy to share accomplishments on resumes, email signatures, or professional networks like LinkedIn. Each badge includes detailed information that helps employers, faculty, and colleagues understand exactly what skills were demonstrated and how.
Microcredentials at Montgomery College offer flexible, accessible, and affordable ways for learners to showcase their strengths, build in-demand skills, and take meaningful steps toward their academic and career goals.
Submit a microcredential proposal. (PDF, 
)
Students and employees currently affiliated with the College and with a valid M# are eligible to earn badges.
The AI Literacy for Career & College Success Badge Rubric - Digital Learning Centers (PDF, )
The Antiracist Badge Rubric - Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging (PDF, )
This micro-credential covers competencies in the areas of: Self-Awareness (What is
your role in racism?), Self-Education (What knowledge do you need to act as an antiracist?),
and Action (How can you practice Antiracism?)
The Career Readiness Badge Rubric - General Education (PDF, )
This badge proves the earner can articulate thoughts clearly, engage in professional
communication, exhibit leadership and teamwork, apply critical thinking and problem-solving
skills, and understand diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. It showcases the
student's comprehensive development through various General Education activities and
assignments. Students can qualify for the badge after taking five General Education
courses in three different foundations, distributions, GEIR, or GEEL areas.
The Changemaker Badge Rubric - Southern Management Leadership Program at Montgomery
College (PDF, )
The Changemaker Badge recognizes the work of students who are engaged in social and
environmental justice learning and actions that align with the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals.
The Citizen Science Badge Rubric - Education and Psychology Department (PDF, )
This badge validates a demonstration of the development of scientific literacy and
research skills through "hands-on" experience with citizen science research projects.
The Commitment Badge Rubric – Transfer Academy (PDF, )
The Commitment Badge validates the work of students who persist in their educational
and career goals, particularly in their successful transfer to a 4-year institution.
The badge recognizes the competencies of organizational navigation, adaptability,
resilience, and initiative.
The Communicator Badge Rubric - Macklin Business Institute at Montgomery College (PDF, )
The Communicator Badge validates that the earner has demonstrated ability to articulate
thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and/or oral forms.
The Creative Collaborator Badge Rubric - Visual, Performing, and Media Arts (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated that they are able to achieve
creative goals as part of a team.
The Creative Writing Badge Rubric - English and Reading at Montgomery College (PDF, )
Earning this microcredential will demonstrate your ability to articulate innovative
thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms. To learn more
visit the English and Reading Microcredentials website new window.
The Critical Analysis Badge Rubric - English and Reading at Montgomery College (PDF, )
When you complete this microcredential, you will demonstrate your analysis, understanding,
and communications with an audience. To learn more visit the English and Reading Microcredentials website new window.
The Culture Conscious Business Badge Rubric - Workforce Development and Continuing
Education (PDF, )
This badge validates that earners have demonstrated cultural competencies needed to
navigate the complexities of diversity and differences in modern organizations.
The Customer Service Recovery Badge Rubric – Business & Hospitality (PDF, )
The Customer Service Recovery badge recognizes individuals who demonstrate the ability
to manage customer complaints and service failures using recognized industry frameworks
such as LEARN and HEART. Participants develop skills in professional communication,
emotional intelligence, and critical thinking to resolve conflicts, restore trust,
and maintain positive customer relationships.
To earn this badge, students must complete the Customer Service Recovery module in HMGT 100 and demonstrate competency in communication, professionalism, teamwork, and service recovery strategies through course assessments.
The Cybersecurity Practitioner Badge Rubric – Workforce Development and Continuing
Education/Business Information Technology Systems / Information Technology Institute (PDF, )
The Cybersecurity Practitioner badge recognizes individuals who demonstrate foundational
cybersecurity knowledge and practical technical skills aligned with industry standards.
Participants develop competencies in identifying security threats, conducting risk
assessments, implementing secure network design principles, and applying authentication
and encryption tools used in enterprise environments.
To earn this badge, participants must complete the required coursework, labs, and assessments demonstrating competency in cybersecurity concepts, network security, and data protection practices.
The Data Analytics Badge Rubric - Workforce Development and Continuing Education (PDF, )
This badge validates foundational data analytics skills demonstrated by students through
hands-on projects and applied learning. It recognizes competencies in statistical
reasoning, ethical data use, and effective communication of insights. Earners have
used tools such as Python, SQL, and Power BI to analyze and visualize data, supporting
informed decision-making in academic and professional contexts.
The Effective Communication in Organizations Badge Rubric – Business & Hospitality (PDF, )
The Effective Communication in Organizations badge recognizes individuals who demonstrate
the ability to communicate clearly and professionally in workplace settings. Participants
develop skills in active listening, professional writing, verbal communication, and
collaborative problem solving while adapting communication styles to diverse audiences
and organizational contexts.
To earn this badge, students must complete the Effective Communication in Organizations module in HMGT 211 and demonstrate competency in communication, professionalism, teamwork, and inclusive workplace interaction through course assessments.
The Entrepreneur Badge Rubric - Southern Management Leadership Program at Montgomery
College (PDF, )
The earner of this badge has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities that
form the foundation for success as an entrepreneur ready to launch a new venture or
an intrapreneur who will bring these competencies to a future employer.
The Gender Equity Badge Rubric- Women's and Gender Studies Department (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner/student participant has demonstrated competencies
in gender equity topics via critical analysis through a series of activities and written
artifacts.
The Interculturalist Badge Rubric - Anthropology at Montgomery College (PDF, )
The Interculturalist Badge validates that the earner values, respects, and learns
from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. Students
demonstrate openness, cultural awareness, and the ability to interact respectfully
with people from different backgrounds while reflecting on their own cultural perspectives.
To earn this badge, students must complete a digital storytelling project based on their participant observation assignment in ANTH 201: Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology.
The Introduction to Generative AI Badge Rubric – Workforce Development and Continuing
Education/Business Information Technology Systems/Information Technology Institute (PDF, )
The Introduction to Generative AI badge recognizes individuals who demonstrate foundational
knowledge of artificial intelligence and generative AI technologies. Participants
explore how AI systems work, learn prompt engineering techniques, and examine the
ethical, social, and security implications of AI in modern workplaces.
To earn this badge, participants must complete course assessments demonstrating competency in AI concepts, prompt engineering, and responsible use of generative AI tools.
The Leader Badge Rubric - Macklin Business Institute at Montgomery College (PDF, )
The Leader badge recognizes students who demonstrate the ability to leverage the strengths
of others to achieve shared goals. Earners show strong interpersonal and leadership
skills by motivating teams, engaging diverse perspectives, organizing and delegating
responsibilities, and guiding others toward successful outcomes. Students also demonstrate
the ability to reflect on leadership experiences and apply lessons learned to improve
future collaboration and decision making.
To earn this badge, students must complete the Macklin Business Institute leadership experience and demonstrate competency in leadership, communication, teamwork, and reflective practice through program activities and assessments.
The Proactive Thinker Microcredential
The Proactive Thinker Microcredential is a self paced learning pathway that helps
students develop key transferable skills valued by employers. Through four badges
in communication, critical thinking, innovation, and teamwork, students demonstrate
their ability to think proactively, collaborate effectively, and solve problems in
academic and professional environments.
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The Communication Badge Rubric - Office of Student Affairs (PDF,
)
This badge validates students' abilities to clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives. It focuses on developing skills in verbal, written, and non-verbal communication, ensuring that students can articulate their thoughts in an organized manner, engage with diverse audiences, and adapt their communication style to various contexts. To complete this self-paced learning opportunity visit the Communication Pressbook new window and complete all activities. -
The Critical Thinking Badge Rubric - Office of Student Affairs (PDF,
)
This badge measures students' decision-making abilities through sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment. It aims to develop critical thinkers who can approach complex problems with a structured and evidence-based methodology while also considering diverse viewpoints and the potential long-term consequences of their decisions. -
The Innovation Badge Rubric - Academic Affairs (PDF,
)
This badge recognizes the recipient's capability to clearly define innovative goals, approach problems with actionable solutions, analyze and forecast the impact on student success, establish and follow through on success metrics, collaborate across academic and professional disciplines, and base decisions on solid data. Fill out the Innovation Badge form new window to complete this self-paced learning opportunity. Employees and students are eligible to earn this badge, however, students must have an MC employee sponsor. -
The Teamwork Badge Rubric - Office of Student Affairs (PDF,
)
The Teamwork Badge recognizes students who demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively, manage team dynamics, and contribute to shared goals in professional and academic settings.
The Professionalism in the Arts Badge Rubric - Visual, Performing, and Media Arts (PDF, )
This badge recognizes students preparing themselves to enter the professional art
world and have gone beyond their coursework to make professional connections and participate
in professional development.
The Social Justice Badge Rubric - Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging (PDF, )
This micro-credential covers competencies in the areas of: Empathy (How do you try
to understand others' feelings through their frame of reference?), Self-Education
(What knowledge do you need to act as an advocate for social justice?), Self-Awareness
(Look within to manifest a non-judgmental view of who you are in terms of compassion
for others, biases, and an action plan towards more inclusionary practices.), and
Advocate (How can you apply social justice to your own community?)
The Student Employee Badge Rubric - Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the competencies necessary for
the student’s commitment, growth, and preparedness for future career success, reinforcing
MC’s commitment to student development and excellence.
Student Life Leadership and Engagement Badges – Office of Student Life
Montgomery College Student Life offers several digital badges that recognize student
leadership, service, and engagement across campus programs. These badges allow students
to document and showcase transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication,
and civic engagement. Students who participate in eligible Student Life programs may
submit evidence of their experiences using the Student Life Badging Form new window.
- The Emotional Intelligence Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Emotional Intelligence badge recognizes students who develop the ability to understand and manage their emotions while building awareness of others’ perspectives. Participants strengthen skills in communication, empathy, and interpersonal effectiveness that support leadership, teamwork, and personal development. - The Leadership Badge Rubric – MC L.E.A.D.S. (PDF, )
The Leadership badge recognizes students who demonstrate the ability to leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals and coach peers through collaborative leadership practices. This badge is earned through participation in the Montgomery College L.E.A.D.S. leadership development program. - The Service Learning Leadership Badge Rubric – Impact MC (PDF, )
The Service Learning Leadership badge recognizes students who demonstrate leadership through community engaged service learning. Participants investigate social issues, design and implement service projects, and reflect on the impact of their work while developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and civic responsibility skills. - The Student Club Leader Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Student Club Leader badge recognizes students who demonstrate leadership through active involvement in Montgomery College student organizations. Earners show the ability to organize activities, motivate peers, manage responsibilities, and support the success of their club or organization. - The Student Government Leadership Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Student Government Leadership badge recognizes Montgomery College Student Government Association members who demonstrate leadership through service, collaboration, and advocacy. This badge validates skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and inclusive leadership. - The Student Publication Contributor Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Student Publication Contributor badge recognizes students who contribute to official Montgomery College publications. Earners demonstrate communication, collaboration, professionalism, and critical thinking while supporting authentic student voice and campus storytelling.
The Workplace Writing Badge Rubric - English and Reading at Montgomery College (PDF, )
This badge validates a student’s ability to communicate complex information clearly,
concisely, and professionally across a range of workplace and digital settings. It
demonstrates mastery of key technical writing competencies such as clear written communication,
effective visual presentation, and audience-focused content. To earn this badge, students
must showcase these skills by either submitting a writing portfolio or designing a
five-page website using this form: ENGL/READ Microcredential Form new window. To learn more visit the English and Reading Microcredentials website new window.
The Academic Coaching Microcredential - The Achieving the Promise Academy (ATPA)
The ATPA Academic Coaching Microcredential consists of four badges. To earn each badge,
participants must score at least 12 points and be rated competent or higher in all
skills. Earning all four badges results in the completion of the full microcredential.
- The Fundamentals of Academic Coaching Badge Rubric (PDF, )
This badge introduces the essential foundations of academic coaching, including ethical practice, a coaching mindset, and active listening. Participants learn to center student experiences, facilitate insightful dialogue, and maintain confidentiality and respectful communication. The badge focuses on building a strong coaching presence grounded in equity, inclusion, and self-reflection. - The Co-creating the Academic Coaching Relationship Badge Rubric (PDF, )
This badge emphasizes the development of a strong, collaborative coaching relationship grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Participants demonstrate the ability to co-establish goals and expectations, remain present and emotionally attuned, and encourage students to take ownership of their growth. It highlights the interpersonal and structural elements that foster safe, productive coaching spaces. - The Coaching Toward Academic Success Badge Rubric (PDF, )
Focused on academic strategies and individualized support, this badge develops coaches’ abilities to nurture self-directed learning and adapt approaches for neurodiverse students. Participants demonstrate how to use reflection, experiential learning, and tailored support to help students build independence and meet academic goals. Holistic planning and differentiated resources are central components of this badge. - The Coaching the Whole Student Badge Rubric (PDF, )
This badge highlights the importance of supporting the student as a whole person, incorporating cultural responsiveness, emotional well-being, and resource navigation. Participants learn to center student identity and lived experience in the coaching relationship, while fostering a sense of belonging. The badge prioritizes awareness of non-academic factors that influence academic success and how to connect students with appropriate supports.
The AI Learning Journey Microcredential – Workforce Development and Continuing Education/AELG
The AI Learning Journey Microcredential is a three-level professional learning pathway
designed for faculty working in Montgomery College’s Adult Education and Literacy
Grant programs. These programs support Adult ESOL, Adult Basic Education, GED preparation,
workforce English programs, and other services that help learners transition to college,
careers, and employment. This pathway supports faculty who want to explore, apply,
and lead the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in teaching and
learning. Participants develop practical strategies for using AI to support multilingual
learners, scaffold instruction, improve accessibility, and strengthen digital literacy.
The microcredential includes three badges that progress from introductory experimentation to advanced leadership in ethical and effective AI integration. Please note that these badges are available to faculty teaching within Workforce Development and Continuing Education Adult Education and Literacy Grant programs.
- The Emerging AI User Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Emerging AI User badge recognizes faculty who demonstrate foundational and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence to support instruction in Adult ESOL and adult basic education programs. Participants explore how AI can assist with lesson design, scaffold learning materials for multilingual learners, and create formative assessments while evaluating outputs for accuracy, bias, and accessibility. How to earn this badge: Participants attend three AI study circle sessions, complete the Tier 1 checklist, and submit a small portfolio demonstrating responsible classroom use of AI tools. - The Leading AI User Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Leading AI User badge recognizes faculty who demonstrate advanced integration of AI through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for responsible AI use in adult education programs. Participants develop resources such as instructional toolkits or guidance documents, mentor colleagues, and evaluate the impact of AI supported instruction on teaching and program development. How to earn this badge: Participants facilitate professional learning sessions, complete the Tier 3 checklist, and submit a portfolio that includes a toolkit or guidance document, program level analysis, and evidence of mentorship or leadership. - The Practicing AI User Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Practicing AI User badge recognizes faculty who consistently integrate AI tools into instructional design and classroom practice within adult education programs. Participants design multimodal learning activities, create adaptive assessments, and apply ethical guidelines related to privacy, bias, and responsible AI use in educational settings. How to earn this badge: Participants complete the Tier 2 checklist, attend or facilitate AI study circle meetings, and submit a portfolio demonstrating sustained classroom integration of AI tools and instructional strategies.
The Antiracist Badge Rubric - Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging (PDF, )
This micro-credential covers competencies in the areas of: Self-Awareness (What is
your role in racism?), Self-Education (What knowledge do you need to act as an antiracist?),
and Action (How can you practice Antiracism?)
The CLEAR: Digital Accessibility Badge Rubric - Universal Design Center (UDC) (PDF, )
This badge provides participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills
to create accessible digital content using the CLEAR Framework: Caption Everything,
Logical Layout, Easy to Read, Alt Text for Images, and Responsive Design. Participants
will learn to apply ADA Title II and WCAG 2.2 standards to ensure equitable access
to course materials, documents, and online resources.
The Data-Informed Instruction Badge Rubric - Office of Analytics and Insights (PDF, )
This badge validates that Montgomery College faculty have the ability to leverage
Bb Analytics to ensure informed decision-making and ultimately use student data to
contribute to institutional goals related to student success.
The Ethics Problem Solver Badge Rubric - Office of Compliance, Risk, and Ethics at
Montgomery College (PDF, )
The Ethics Problem Solver microcredential validates that the earner is competent to
resolve complex problems/challenges by exercising sound reasoning and ethical judgment
to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome challenges.
The Faculty Mentor Badge Rubric - Academy for Teaching Transformation (PDF, )
This badge recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in group mentorship using
the LEAD Framework (Listen & Learn, Engage & Empower, Align & Apply, Develop & Disseminate).
This credential validates a mentor’s ability to foster meaningful discussions, empower
mentees, align mentorship with real-world applications, and cultivate leadership development
in support of the Academy for Teaching Transformation.
The Fundraising Badge Rubric - Montgomery College Foundation (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the ability to lead and manage
others in fundraising strategy.
The Gender Equity Badge Rubric- Women's and Gender Studies Department (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner/student participant has demonstrated competencies
in gender equity topics via critical analysis through a series of activities and written
artifacts.
The Innovation Badge Rubric - Academic Affairs (PDF, )
This badge recognizes the recipient's capability to clearly define innovative goals,
approach problems with actionable solutions, analyze and forecast the impact on student
success, establish and follow through on success metrics, collaborate across academic
and professional disciplines, and base decisions on solid data. Fill out the Innovation Badge form new window to complete this self-paced learning opportunity. Employees and students are eligible
to earn this badge, however, students must have an MC employee sponsor.
The Leadership Badge
The Leadership Badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the ability to leverage
the strengths of others to achieve common goals and use interpersonal skills to coach
and develop others. Participate in all activities of the Leadership Development Institute new window (LDI) to earn this badge.
- The Leadership Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The Leadership Badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the ability to leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. Participate in all activities of the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) to earn this badge. - Leadership in Action Badge Rubric (PDF, )
This badge recognizes continued leadership development demonstrated by graduates of the Leadership Development Institute (LDI). It validates competencies such as self awareness, inclusive collaboration, strategic visioning, and reflective growth. Earners have applied LDI principles in real world contexts, assessed their leadership impact, and articulated a clear vision for the future. Through a written reflection and vision video, this badge highlights a commitment to ongoing personal and professional leadership practice.
Open Educational Resources (OER) Expert Microcredential - Academic Affairs
The Open Educational Resources (OER) Microcredential is a three badge pathway that
supports faculty and staff in learning how to find, adapt, design, and create open
educational resources that improve access to learning. Participants progress from
building foundational knowledge of open education to designing and publishing their
own openly licensed materials that support student success.
- The OER Advocate Badge Rubric (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the ability to leverage open educational resources and knowledge of open pedagogy. To complete this self-paced learning opportunity visit the OER Advocate Pressbook new window and complete all activities. - The OER Learning Architect Badge Rubric (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated an understanding of how Open Educational Resources (OERs) can enhance student learning, support diverse learning needs, and promote collaboration. After successfully completing the OER Advocate badge, you can move onto the next level of activities within the OER Learning Architect Pressbook new window to earn this badge. - The OER Creator Badge Rubric (PDF, )
The OER Creator Badge recognizes individuals who have successfully authored or co-authored an Open Educational Resource (OER) that is publicly available under an open license. The badge validates the ability to design, develop, and publish high-quality, accessible, and pedagogically sound OER that supports student learning and open education initiatives. To earn this badge, recipients must have earned the OER Advocate badge and submit a link to their OER project, along with reflections and documentation aligned with the badge rubric. All submissions must be made through the OER Creator Badge Application Form new window.
The Problem Solver Badge Rubric - MC Management at Montgomery College (PDF, )
The Problem Solver Badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the skills necessary
to resolve complex problems/challenges by exercising sound reasoning to analyze issues,
make decisions, and overcome challenges. To earn this badge, you must meet all the
participation requirements of MC Management new window (MCM) and complete a capstone project.
The Quality Assurance Microcredential - MC Online
- Quality Assurance Design & Delivery Badge Rubric (PDF, ) - This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the competencies necessary
for inclusive quality course design and delivery in a virtual (online or remote) learning
environment.
- Quality Assurance Transformer Badge Rubric (PDF, ) - This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the competencies necessary
for inclusive quality course transformation in a virtual (online or remote) learning
environment. Prerequisites: Successful completion in QA Design and Delivery Badge
with 80% or more at the Accomplished level or equivalent training/design/delivery
experience.
- Quality Assurance Reviewer Badge Rubric (PDF, ) - This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the competencies necessary
for inclusive quality course review in a virtual (online or remote) learning environment.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Training: QA Design & Delivery, QA Transformer
Badge, or MC Online Teaching; and Experience: Quality Matters Peer Reviewer, or equivalent
reviewer designation, or at least (three) years’ experience in relevant Education
Technology for online learning.
The Teaching Essentials: Innovation and Transformation Badge Rubric - Academy for
Teaching (PDF, )
This micro-credential will cover learning regarding pedagogical and instructional
attitudes, techniques and skills to promote student success. It is meant for full-time
and part-time faculty. To earn this badge, full-time and part-time faculty must meet
all the requirements of the Academy for Teaching Transformation new window.
The Technology Integration Badge Rubric - Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated the competencies necessary to
integrate technology into a course or work meaningfully. To earn this badge, participants
must attend all sessions and individual consultations as they prepare for their final
project at the last session, demonstrating their course content in alignment with
the TPACK and SAMR models. Participants can sign up through Workday.
The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Badge Rubric - Universal Design Center (PDF, )
This badge validates that the earner has demonstrated understanding and practical
application of the principles of UDL, ensuring that the knowledge and skills acquired
are not just theoretical but functionally impactful in educational settings.
- Employee Earners 2020-2025 (PDF, )
- Infographic of Earners (PDF, )
If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Christine Crefton or fill out this inquiry form new window.
A microcredential is a skill-based credential that recognizes demonstrated knowledge, abilities, or competencies. At Montgomery College, microcredentials are awarded as digital badges and are designed to reflect real learning that connects directly to academic, career, and professional goals.
Each microcredential is represented by a digital badge. It includes an image that can be displayed on a resume, email signature, or social media profile, along with detailed metadata. That metadata shows what the badge means, how it was earned, and the specific skills or competencies demonstrated. Examples can be found on our Credly platform new window.
Microcredentials provide clear, portable evidence of skill mastery. They help students and employees showcase what they know and can do, which can support career advancement, job applications, academic transfer, or professional development goals. They are aligned with in-demand competencies valued by employers, such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Montgomery College offers a growing catalog of digital badges for both students and employees. Some are available through classroom-based assignments, others are tied to cohort programs, and several can be earned independently through self-paced activities. Examples include the Communication, Innovation, Critical Thinking, and Teamwork badges, which together form the Proactive Thinker Microcredential. Other options include the Leadership Badge through MC LEADS, the OER Advocate, OER Learning Architect, and OER Creator badges, and microcredentials associated with Achieving the Promise Academy (ATPA), General Education, and Workforce Development and Continuing Education. A full list of available badges and their descriptions is maintained on the Microcredentials at MC website.
Microcredentials are awarded based on demonstrated competency. Activities may include completing assessments, creating portfolios, participating in co-curricular programs, leading projects, or applying skills in real-world or simulated environments. The learning experience must be intentional, verifiable, and aligned with the badge’s criteria.
No, microcredentials are not currently included on official Montgomery College transcripts. However, they can be added to resumes, portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, and other digital platforms to showcase specific skills and accomplishments.
New microcredentials are reviewed by the Microcredential Review Committee, a cross-functional team that ensures proposed badges align with College priorities, national standards, and the established framework. This group evaluates proposals for clarity, accessibility, assessment integrity, and workforce relevance.
Microcredentials are offered at no cost to current Montgomery College students and employees. This reflects the College’s commitment to equitable access and lifelong learning.
Creating a microcredential begins with identifying a meaningful skill or competency. From there, the proposer works with the Educational Resources Program Manager and other partners to develop outcomes, assessments, and badge design. A proposal is submitted to the Educational Resources Program Manager and reviewed by the Microcredential Review Committee.
Microcredentials require collaboration to ensure they are accessible, assessable, and aligned with College goals. Partners help shape the learning experience, support implementation, and ensure quality. While one person may initiate the idea, strong microcredentials are always a team effort.
All proposals are reviewed using a rubric that considers criteria such as relevance, equity, assessment design, and connection to broader pathways. Feedback is provided to the proposer, and revisions may be requested before final approval is granted by the Microcredential Review Committee.
Once a student or employee completes the required activities and demonstrates competency, an evaluator confirms their achievement using a shared rubric. The badge is then awarded through the College’s digital credentialing platform, where recipients can access, display, and share their badge.
- 7 Things You Should Know About Digital Badges (PDF, )
Knowing that learners will need to hone their skills over their careers, there are abundant opportunities for the university to develop new channels for working professionals to continue their learning and document that learning through digital badges. - Badging Essential Skills for Transitions (PDF, ) (B.E.S.T.)
- Badge Dimensions Collaborator Rubric (PDF, )
Updated: 3/12/2026