What are Microcredentials?
Whether you’re a current student or a working professional, microcredentials will help you develop new, relevant and demonstrable skills that can give you an edge in a competitive job market.
Microcredentials at the University at Albany are a collection of courses and experiences that teach industry-aligned skills and competencies, which are documented by digital badges.
Being able to clearly articulate your skills means you’ll be better positioned to bridge the gap between college and career, or between your current job and your dream job. You can also stack microcredentials into larger skillsets and credentials.
Our programs are developed using established faculty governance processes and endorsed by UAlbany, so the skills you learn are portable, meaningful and high quality. The programs are offered at the undergraduate or graduate level, or as an opportunity for continuing education. Many are conveniently offered online.
What are digital badges?
Digital badges, which can be shared with current and potential employers, demonstrate the completion of a microcredential program and are issued on the online credentialing platform Credly Acclaim.
These badges are more than just a visual icon — they're evidence that you’ve learned specific professional skills. Badges link to the actual work you completed to earn the microcredential. Each badge earned is another chance to digitally share and celebrate an accomplishment with your network.
How to Earn a Microcredential
1. Register for a Microcredential
Visit the Microcredential Catalog to find and register for the right program for you. We offer both not-for-credit and for-credit options.
Financial aid can be applied to credit-bearing courses for matriculated students if the courses fit into an approved program of study or if the student still has elective credits available. Students should meet with their academic advisor and the Office of Financial Aid to determine whether a course that includes a microcredential will be covered by financial aid.
Many employers will also reimburse employees for educational programs that help workers learn new skills.
2. Complete the Microcredential
The University department that offers the microcredential will notify you when you've completed all requirements. Soon after, you'll receive an email invitation to accept your digital badge and create an account on the Credly Acclaim website.
Microcredentials will not appear on UAlbany transcripts but credit-bearing courses completed as part of a microcredential program will be documented on your transcript.
3. Share your Digital Badge
Using your Credly Acclaim account, you can also share your badge on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, XING and WhatsApp, or share it via link or embed. You are also able to download and print the badge. Visit the Credly Acclaim Help Center for instructions.
Badges cannot be shared unless they are public. You can change your privacy settings on Credly Acclaim by clicking your profile icon, selecting “Settings” and then clicking “Privacy & Security.” There, you will be able to make your profile publicly visible or make it private. To make a badge private, click on the badge, select “More” and then click “Make Badge Private.”
Student Privacy Statement
University at Albany microcredentials are displayed as digital badges on the Credly Acclaim ("Credly") platform. Student work may be attached to a digital badge to serve as evidence of the development of skills and competencies.
The University at Albany believes that you should have the right to control the use of your personal and educational information. Your rights may also be protected by applicable laws and regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). By providing the required information to receive this credential, you are consenting to the University at Albany transferring your first name, last name, email address and submitted evidence to Credly, Inc., the company that provides the digital credentialing technology. Credly will use this information for the sole purpose of hosting and publicly displaying your credentials and associated information.
Get in touch
UAlbany is committed to offering microcredentials that are industry-aligned — including developing microcredentials that directly match our community and industry partners' workforce needs.
If you’re interested in partnering with UAlbany to create a microcredential suited to your organization’s needs, please contact Professional, Adult & Continuing Knowledge (PACK) at [email protected] or 518-442-5125.