While traditional degrees and certificate programs recognize more robust programs of academic study, micro-credentials provide a way to recognize and document the acquisition of specific skills or competencies.
Upon successful completion of a micro-credential program, learners are issued a digital badge that allows achievements to be displayed and shared. Just as diplomas serve to recognize degrees, digital badges are artifacts that offer recognition and storytelling about micro-credentials.
Because they're digital, badges contain metadata about the program's requirements and learning objectives, as well as links to educational artifacts. This makes them independently verifiable and portable, empowering learners to use, share and display their credentials however they see fit.