ASCC MICROCRedentials
Micro-credentials are digital badges that confirm your competency in a particular skill or set of skills. They provide confirmation to employers, hiring managers, or recruiters that you are proficient in the listed skills and have demonstrated those skills in a real-world professional environment like the ASCC. The University of Maine System created a framework for micro-credentials to maintain standards of achievement and ensure the value of the micro-credentials to learners and potential employers. More information on UMS micro-credentials can be found here.
Why should I earn micro-credentials?
Earning a micro-credential allows you to better showcase your skills and communicate your experiences to employers. It also allows potential employers to confirm that you have demonstrated your skills in a real-world professional setting, which enhances the value of your skills.
Dr. Becky Fisher
Student Research Learning
Experience Program Manager
ASCC Micro-Credentials
MICRO-CREDENTIAL: Design for Additive Manufacturing
TYPE: Microbadge
BADGR LINK: Here
Who can earn this badge?
Any ASCC-affiliated student who will be working on 3D printing design tasks for any project team.
What will I learn?
After completing this badge, you will be able to successfully create a 3D printable design.
How do I earn this badge?
To earn this badge, you will need to complete online modules through Ultimaker Academy and successfully have a design printed in the 3D Print Lab. Ultimaker is the manufacturer of the 3D printers used in the Small Scale 3D Printing Lab. These modules are available online to complete at your convenience and at no additional cost to your project. The modules take approximately 6 hours to complete. You should be paid by your project for the time spent on the modules. Training for this badge does not include instruction in any type of CAD software. Please connect with your supervisor if you require training in this area.
Detailed requirements can be found by clicking on the Badgr here.
Why should I earn this badge?
It is part of the training processes at the Center and allows you to better highlight your skills.
The Small Scale 3D Print Lab requires students who will be submitting designs for printing to complete
the Ultimaker modules as part of their process. Thus, to get the badge, you just need to provide
confirmation that you have successfully had a design printed by the lab.
Earning the micro badge allows you to better showcase your skills and communicate your experiences to
employers. It also allows potential employers to confirm that you have demonstrated your skills in a
real-world professional setting, which enhances the value of your skills.
How do I get started?
Fill out this form:
Email Dr. Becky Fisher with any questions: Rebecca.a.fisher@maine.edu.
MICRO-CREDENTIAL: Lab Safety & Security
TYPE: Microbadge
BADGR LINK: Here
Who can earn this badge?
Any ASCC-affiliated student.
What will I learn?
After completing this badge, you will be able to work safely and securely at the ASCC.
How do I earn this badge?
To earn this badge, you will need to complete the required onboarding training on safety and security that allow you to obtain card access to the ASCC building and lab areas. If you work on a controlled project, you may need to complete additional training or paperwork not included in the badge requirements.
Detailed requirements can be found by clicking on the Badgr link here.
Why should I earn this badge?
It is part of the training processes at the Center and allows you to better highlight your skills. Learning the safety and security rules to protect yourself, your colleagues and the intellectual property of the ASCC and our partners is a required part of working at the ASCC.
Earning the micro badge allows you to better showcase your skills and communicate your experiences to employers. It also allows potential employers to confirm that you have demonstrated your skills in a real-world professional setting, which enhances the value of your skills.
How do I get started?
You do not need to sign up for this badge, it will be automatically awarded once your onboarding is complete. If you do not receive this badge within a month of completing your onboarding training, contact Dr. Becky Fisher, Rebecca.a.fisher@maine.edu.
MICRO-CREDENTIAL: Measurement Systems
TYPE: Microbadge
BADGR LINK: Here
Who can earn this badge?
Any ASCC-affiliated student who will be working on collecting testing data for any project or team. This micro badge is required for the Mechanical Testing micro-credential pathway at Level 1 but may be earned by students working in other lab areas as well.
What will I learn?
After completing this badge, you will know about the different methods of collecting data for mechanical testing, be able to critically read ASTM testing standards, and correctly use hand-held measurement tools to collect data.
How do I earn this badge?
To earn this badge, you will need to complete the online Measurement Systems course through Brightspace and earn an 80% on the quiz. Then you will demonstrate the correct use of hand-held digital calipers and micrometers, collect data using these tools, and present data in a specified format. The rubric used to evaluate competency in data collection and presentation is here.
Detailed requirements can be found by clicking on the Badgr link here.
Why should I earn this badge?
It is part of the training processes at the ASCC and allows you to better highlight your skills. This badge introduces the measurement systems used at the Center to collect engineering research data related to mechanical and structural conformance testing. It provides basic training that will allow you to build skills in Mechanical Testing through the Mechanical Testing micro-credential pathways or for further development of specialized skills in instrumentation or data collection depending on your work area.
Earning the micro badge allows you to better showcase your skills and communicate your experiences to employers. It also allows potential employers to confirm that you have demonstrated your skills in a real-world professional setting, which enhances the value of your skills.
How do I get started?
Fill out this form:
Email Dr. Becky Fisher with any questions, Rebecca.a.fisher@maine.edu
MICRO-CREDENTIAL: Windstorm Challenge
TYPE: Micro-credential Pathway
BADGR LINK: Here
Who can earn this badge?
High school students participating in the Windstorm Challenge. The student must have permission from a parent or guardian and a teacher who will facilitate the assessment of some assignments.
Why should I earn this badge?
It validates the skills you have developed in engineering design, collaboration, and creative problem-solving through participating in the Windstorm Challenge.
Earning the micro badge allows you to better showcase your skills and communicate your experiences to others. It also allows college admissions staff and potential employers to confirm that you have demonstrated your skills in a real-world professional setting, which enhances the value of your skills.
How do I get started?
Students should connect with their teachers about participating in the Windstorm Challenge micro-credential first since teachers will need to participate in the assessment of required assignments.
Teachers interested in supporting students earning the micro-credential should email Dr. Becky Fisher: Rebecca.a.fisher@maine.edu
MICRO-CREDENTIAL: Measurement Systems
TYPE: Microbadge
BADGR LINK: Here
Who can earn this badge?
Any ASCC-affiliated student who will be working on collecting testing data for any project or team. This micro badge is required for the Mechanical Testing micro-credential pathway at Level 1 but may be earned by students working in other lab areas as well.
What will I learn?
After completing this badge, you will know about the different methods of collecting data for mechanical testing, be able to critically read ASTM testing standards, and correctly use hand-held measurement tools to collect data.
How do I earn this badge?
To earn this badge, you will need to complete the online Measurement Systems course through Brightspace and earn an 80% on the quiz. Then you will demonstrate the correct use of hand-held digital calipers and micrometers, collect data using these tools, and present data in a specified format. The rubric used to evaluate competency in data collection and presentation is here.
Detailed requirements can be found by clicking on the Badgr link here.
Why should I earn this badge?
It is part of the training processes at the ASCC and allows you to better highlight your skills. This badge introduces the measurement systems used at the Center to collect engineering research data related to mechanical and structural conformance testing. It provides basic training that will allow you to build skills in Mechanical Testing through the Mechanical Testing micro-credential pathways or for further development of specialized skills in instrumentation or data collection depending on your work area.
Earning the micro badge allows you to better showcase your skills and communicate your experiences to employers. It also allows potential employers to confirm that you have demonstrated your skills in a real-world professional setting, which enhances the value of your skills.
How do I get started?
Fill out this form:
Email Dr. Becky Fisher with any questions, Rebecca.a.fisher@maine.edu
How do I earn them?
Each micro-credential or micro badge has different requirements. A micro-credential is comprised of three Levels, each with its own badge. The micro-credential pathway represents a collection of skills related to a specific area. Some of the specific skills are packaged into micro badges. Microbadges represent a distinct learning opportunity and may be earned without completing the full micro-credential pathway.
Notice that in addition to skill-specific micro badges, there are requirements for hours worked and career skill development. This demonstrates to employers that you have real-world work experience and skills that will make you an effective employee from your first day on the job. Click on the links below to navigate to the specific requirements for each offered micro-credential or micro badge.
Can I earn UMS micro-credentials developed outside OF the ASCC?
Yes! There are many other micro-credential offerings that may enhance your personal and professional skills. You can see the full list of available UMS micro-credentials here. Please note that you may not be able to use paid ASCC work time to earn these other micro-credentials. This determination will need to be made by your supervisor.
What do I do with the micro-credential after I earn it?
Share it! Micro-credentials can be shared through a resume, in your professional email signature or on social media like LinkedIn. View the Badgr Guide for more information on sharing your micro-credentials.
Wait, What is Badgr?
Badgr is the platform that UMS uses to issue micro-credentials. You will use your Badgr account to collect and curate your micro-credentials. This is separate from your UMaine accounts so you will always have access to your Badgr backpack with your micro-credentials as long as you keep your account updated with your current email address. Please see the Badgr resources below for more information.
Badgr Guide
Badgr Knowledge Base
UMS Micro-Credential Support Website