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 Antiracist Badge Rubric- Office of Equity and Inclusion at Montgomery College (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.
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.
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 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 Emotional Intelligence Badge Rubric - Office of Student Life & Academic Initiatives (PDF, ) This badge focuses on enhancing college students’ capabilities in key areas. The cohort
program aims to instruct students on how to effectively identify and manage their
emotions, understand others’ feelings, and adapt communication styles.
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.
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.
- The Leadership Badge* Rubric - iLead at Montgomery College (PDF, )
- The Leadership Badge Rubric - L.E.A.D.S. at Montgomery College (PDF, )
- The Leader Badge Rubric - Macklin Business Institute at Montgomery College (PDF, )
*The iLead Badge is no longer available, as it has transitioned into the college-wide LEADS program.
The Proactive Thinker Microcredential - Student Affairs
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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 Pressbooknew 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 - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence (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 formnew 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 Equity and Inclusion at Montgomery College (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 Club Leader Badge Rubric - Student Life (PDF, )
This 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. The individual can use leadership skills to engage, organize,
motivate, prioritize, and delegate work. To earn this badge a student must be a student
club leader and meet all of the requirements of the badge.
The Student Employee Badge Rubric - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching
Excellence (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.
The Student Government Leadership Badge Rubric (PDF, ) - Office of Student Life
This badge validates key leadership competencies demonstrated by MC Student Government
Association (SGA) members. It recognizes skills such as self-awareness, collaboration,
strategic visioning, and empathetic leadership. This badge aligns with MC's Strategic
Goal 2: Cultivate a sense of belonging for everyone at the College by fostering leadership
development and enhancing inclusion.
The Student Publication Contributor Badge Rubric - Office of Student Life (PDF, )
This badge validates key communication and collaboration competencies demonstrated
by students who contribute to official Montgomery College publications. It recognizes
skills such as written communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and teamwork.
This badge aligns with MC’s Strategic Goal 1: Empower students to start smart and
succeed by fostering authentic learning experiences and highlighting student voice
through publication work.
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, ) - ATPA
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, ) - ATPA
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, ) - ATPA
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, ) - ATPA
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 Antiracist Badge Rubric - Office of Equity and Inclusion at Montgomery College (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 (PDF, ) – Universal Design Center (UDC)
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 (PDF, ) – Academy for Teaching Transformation
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 - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence (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 formnew 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 Institutenew window (LDI) to earn this badge.
Leadership in Action Badge Rubric - Leadership Development Institute at Montgomery
College (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) Microcredential - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence
- The OER Advocate Badge Rubric - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence (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 Pressbooknew window and complete all activities. - The OER Learning Architect Badge Rubric -Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching
Excellence (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 Pressbooknew window to earn this badge. -
The OER Creator Badge Rubric - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence (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 Formnew 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 Managementnew window (MCM) and complete a capstone project.
The Quality Assurance Microcredential - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence
- 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 Transformationnew window.
The Technology Integration Badge Rubric - Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching
Excellence (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 formnew 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 platformnew 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: 7/17/2025