Credential As You Go focuses on building an incremental credentialing system, recognizing that many types of quality credentials (degrees, certificates, industry certifications, licenses, badges, microcredentials) document an individual’s learning. Case Studies on our website provide examples of incremental credentials – to date, 180 have been developed across the three states partnering to rapid prototype incremental credentials (Colorado, North Carolina, and New York). You can search for specific incremental credentials using our new search feature (e.g., undergraduate/graduate, type of delivery, disciplines/occupational areas).
We also published a report based on a Board discussion around financing incremental credentials – Moving from a Degree-Centric Postsecondary System to an Incremental Credentialing System: What Happens to Learners’ Financing Options?
Validation of Prior Learning (VPL) Biennale
Credential As You Go Co-Lead Nan Travers just returned to the United States from Ireland. As part of her Empire State University work on prior learning assessment, Nan was co-chair for the 5th Validation of Prior Learning (VPL) Biennale. The Biennale was co-hosted by Ireland, Canada, and the United States. The theme of the conference was People, validation, and power: democracy in action? Several members of the Credential As You Go Advisory Board presented, including: Nan Travers, Mary Beth Lakin, Don Presant, Meg Benke, and prior Advisory Board member Rhianna Rogers served on a panel.
Credential As You Go Playbooks
Credential As You Go has published 12 playbooks to date. We’re in the process of updating several of them. Two more are in development.
Library Lens– briefs and reports to explore trends and insights revealed by analysis of website use.
Professional Development Hub– professional development resources produced by the Library, including webinars, conference presentations, and a newsletter.
Special Projects– collaborative projects to support the use and improvement of the Library.
Researcher Showcase– A space for researchers to present their projects and findings related to the learn-and-work ecosystem.
Online Newspaper– Through a new partnership with The evoLLLution: A Modern Campus Illumination, Library users can easily access articles on evergreen topics in the learn-and-work ecosystem.
North Carolina’s Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC)
Microcredentialing is taking off at FTCC. Initially, students could earn a badge in only Forklift and OSHA courses but FTCC has expanded microcredentials to additional certifications including a new Cybersecurity Fundamentals badge. Students earn the badge ‘as they go’ (for completing a specified number of hours in the course or certificate in degree program). A link to the badge from Credly goes to the student's email. Students can download and upload to their resume, LinkedIn, etc. LinkedIn has a feature to make the badge interactive so viewers can see the whole degree plan and how the badge was earned. FTCC has found this is a good way for students to show their certifications and skills as they enter the job market and begin working while still taking classes. FTCC has already awarded 109 digital badges and the number is growing. One student noted: “I 100% think these badges make you more marketable to employers.”
In the dynamic world of veterinary education, staying ahead of the curve is essential. The Appalachian State Veterinary Technology Program recently introduced microcredentials into their undergraduate education curriculum. New credentials include: Fear-Free Level 1 Certification which focuses on reducing fear/anxiety/stress in animals during vet visits. RECOVER Initiative BLS (Basic Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) which develop expertise in handling emergencies. NAVTA Infection Control Leader Certification focuses on maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety. CAETA (Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy) Certification is training on empathy/ professionalism/ respect for animals and owners.
Colorado Launches General Education Completion Credential
Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education launched a framework for Colorado public institutions of higher education to formally recognize students when they have completed all the requirements in the state’s Guaranteed Transfer Pathways (GT Pathways) general education curriculum. The credential helps save students time and money by highlighting the skills and competencies gained through general education and the value of these essential skills to employers. Colorado Mountain College will be implementing the new general education credential first.
Zanville, H. (March 11, 2024). The Colorado Re-Engaged Initiative: Recognizing Learning for Non-Credential Students. The evoLLLution: A Modern Campus Illumination
April 14 Higher Learning Commission Board Seminar on Credentialing (Rasmussen, Zanville, Dodge)
April 15 Higher Learning Commission Annual Meeting: “Building Incremental and Stackable Credentials to Transform Higher Education” (Booth, Glasper, Lakin, Rasmussen, Zanville)
May 6-85th VPL Biennale (Travers)
May 10 Nondegree Credential Research Network Annual Conference (Zanville)
May 17-18 American Board of Pediatrics
June 11Workforce Matters Workshop on Learn & Work Ecosystem Library (Zanville)
June 12Credential As You Go Advisory Board Meeting
August 5-7The Badge Summit 2024 on Credential As You Go (Goldberg, Travers); Learn & Work Ecosystem Library 2024 (Valdez)
Sept24-26 CAHIIM 2024: Summit on Higher Education: Credential As You Go and Learn & Work Ecosystem Library (Zanville)
Sept 30-Oct 2 2024 Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education, co-hosted by UPCEA and AACRAO - Miles to Go: The Journey of Credential As You Go (Travers, Zanville, Goldberg); Navigating the Future with the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library (Zanville, Valdez)
