Faculty and Staff Microcredential Resources

Develop microcredentials and digital badges at Yavapai College using shared quality standards, proposal guidance, and implementation resources.

  • Learn how microcredentials work at YC
  • Review the handbook and digital badge taxonomy
  • Access the proposal form and proposal process

What is a YC Microcredential?

A microcredential verifies the achievement or mastery of specific skills, competencies, or areas of knowledge. These short, focused learning experiences are aligned with workforce needs and can be stacked toward larger credentials such as certificates or degrees.

Why Microcredentials Matter at YC

  • Support workforce readiness and career advancement
  • Expand access for adult and nontraditional learners
  • Provide flexible, skills-focused learning opportunities
  • Strengthen connections between education and industry

Developing a Microcredential

Faculty and staff play a key role in designing microcredentials that align with course outcomes, workforce needs, and student learning objectives. Microcredentials may be embedded within existing courses, developed as standalone learning opportunities, or aligned to workforce training and professional development.

Each microcredential should include clearly defined learning outcomes, measurable assessment, and earning criteria that demonstrate mastery.

Proposal Process Overview

Follow these steps to develop and implement a microcredential at Yavapai College.

  • Define the Skill – Identify the specific competency or knowledge area learners will demonstrate.
  • Identify Learning Opportunities – Determine the context in which learning will take place, such as within an academic course or program or as a standalone experience.
  • Prepare Proposal Information – Gather required details, including learning outcomes, assessment, skills, and earning criteria. (See Microcredential Proposal Form PDF)
  • Submit Proposal – Submit the proposal form for review by the Microcredential Advisory Committee.
  • Develop and Launch – Work with an instructional designer to finalize and implement the microcredential.
  • Communicate and Promote – Inform students and stakeholders about the microcredential and how it connects to learning and career opportunities.
  • Award and Monitor – Issue digital badges to learners who meet the criteria and monitor participation, outcomes, and effectiveness.

Key Resources

Use these resources to explore the microcredential framework, align your idea to the taxonomy, and submit a proposal for review.

Microcredential Handbook

Review the handbook for guidance on quality standards, development expectations, and recommended practices for creating microcredentials at Yavapai College.

View Handbook ↗

Microcredential Taxonomy

Use the taxonomy to understand how microcredentials are organized and how your proposed credential aligns within the broader YC framework.

View Taxonomy ↗

Proposal Form

Ready to move forward? Complete the proposal form to submit your microcredential idea for review by the Microcredential Advisory Committee.

Open Proposal Form ↗

Contact

For additional support or questions about microcredentials, email microcredentials@yc.edu.