Faculty Guide to Stackable Microcredentials

What Are Stackable Microcredentials?

Stackable microcredentials are short, skill-focused learning experiences that allow learners to gain and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. These credentials can be accumulated over time, enabling individuals to build their qualifications progressively and enhance career mobility.

At Arizona State University’s Fulton Schools of Engineering (FSE), microcredentials are designed to meet the evolving needs of students and industry professionals. They provide flexible, accessible, stackable, affordable, and agile learning pathways that support lifelong learning and professional development.

Badge

Earn the full badge within a topic area by completing four micro-badges within an approved sequence. Badges are offered across many topic areas, aligned to the needs of industry.

Micro-badge

Earn a micro-badge by successfully completing one short course and assessment, typically requiring 10 hours of instruction alongside 5–10 hours of additional study. Micro-badges are offered at four distinct levels, culminating with experiential learning activities to ensure you can apply the skills you gain.

Microcredential Levels

Each microcredential is structured across four levels, allowing learners to progress from foundational knowledge to highly specialized industry applications.

The Four Levels of Micro-badges

A Flexible and Stackable Approach

This structured approach ensures that learners can:

Start at the appropriate level based on their prior experience.
Build competencies progressively through skill-based learning.
Stack micro-badges of similar levels to earn full badges in a given topic.
Develop job-ready expertise that aligns with industry needs.

Why ASU Offers Microcredentials

ASU is committed to fostering innovation and workforce readiness. Our stackable microcredentials align with ASU’s charter by:

Expanding access to education for diverse learners, including working professionals, students, and career pivoters.
Supporting workforce development by equipping learners with industry-relevant skills.
Enhancing career mobility with modular learning that allows learners to gain new expertise without committing to a full degree program.

For learners

Microcredentials offer a cost-effective, time-efficient way to develop in-demand skills, providing them with industry-recognized digital badges that can boost their résumés.

For faculty

Microcredentials allow instructiors to create focused, high-impact learning experiences while engaging with industry needs and expanding their influence beyond traditional coursework.

What makes a strong microcredential?

A well-designed microcredential is more than just a short course—it is a focused, skill-based learning experience that prepares learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. To ensure microcredentials remain engaging, relevant, and valuable, they should be built around the following principles:

Microcredential Development Process

Microcredentials are developed across four phases. Each phase is completed collaboratively with the Instructor, the GOEE Team, and the Domain Expert. The time needed for each phase varies based on the complexity of the microcredential, idea readiness and alignment, and audience demand. Typically takes 2-6 months before implementation.

Phase 1: Ideation and Approval

The instructor submits a microcredential proposal which is reviewed by a domain expert and assessed for industry demand. Typically takes 2–5 weeks.

Meet with the GOEE Team to discuss Microcredential Structure
The instructor completes Badge Overview Form
Domain Expert reviews proposal and provides feedback
The GOEE Team conducts market research

Phase 2: Design and Planning

The instructor collaborates with the GOEE Team and Domain Expert to design the microcredential including logistics, assessments, and instructional methods. Typically takes 3–10 weeks.

Hold a Kickoff Meeting to discuss expectations and logistics
Set course dates and finalize agreements
Complete the Micro-badge Planning Form to outline content, structure, and assessments.

Phase 3: Content Development and Marketing

The instructor develops all course materials and prepares the Microcredential in Canvas. GOEE develops marketing collateral. Typically takes 4–16 weeks.

The instructor creates lecture materials, activities, and assessments.
The GOEE Team reviews material to ensure alignment with FSE and the Microcredential standards
The GOEE Team develops flyers, landing pages, and registration information
Marketing material is distributed through available channels by the GOEE Team and the instructor.

Phase 4: Implementation & Evaluation (Launch & Post-Course)

Deliver the microcredential, award digital credentials, and gather feedback for continuous improvement. Typical time is determined by the structure of the microcredential.

Launch the microcredential in synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid format
Award digital credential upon completion of the microcredential
Identify and document opportunities for improvements of future offerings based on feedback from learners, the instructor, and the GOEE Team.

Proposal Deadlines

We encourage faculty to schedule their introduction touchpoints by the following dates in order to support scheduling, development, and marketing timelines.

Spring 2026

Badge Proposal Deadline—July 15, 2025
Course launch after January 12

Summer 2026

Badge Proposal Deadline—December 1, 2025
Course launch after June 1

Alternatives to Microcredentials

Certificates

Longer programs that provide a more in-depth learning experience.

Custom Training Programs

Tailored educational solutions developed in collaboration with industry partners.

Professional Development Courses

Standalone courses that may not be stackable but provide valuable skill-building opportunities.

Support & Resources

Key Resources for Microcredential Development

To ensure a seamless experience for faculty, ASU provides the following tools and resources:

Understand the rules and expectations for developing and delivering microcredentials. Details on the financial model will be discussed in the initial touchpoint with the GOEE Team.

View the FSE Microcredentials Policy

Microcredential are developed across four phases, completed collaboratively with the instructor, the GOEE Team, and the domain expert.

View the Development Process

Get guidance on creating competency-based assessments that effectively measure skill acquisition.

This guide provides recommendations, self-checks, and key considerations to ensure microcredentials meet industry, learner, and institutional expectations.

Faculty Guide to Stackable Microcredentials

What Are Stackable Microcredentials?

Badge

Micro-badge

Microcredential Levels

The Four Levels of Micro-badges

A Flexible and Stackable Approach

Why ASU Offers Microcredentials

For learners

For faculty

What makes a strong microcredential?

Microcredential Development Process

Phase 1: Ideation and Approval

Phase 2: Design and Planning

Phase 3: Content Development and Marketing

Phase 4: Implementation & Evaluation (Launch & Post-Course)

Proposal Deadlines

Spring 2026

Summer 2026

Alternatives to Microcredentials

Certificates

Custom Training Programs

Professional Development Courses

Support & Resources

Microcredential Policy Guidelines

Microcredential Development Process

Skills-Based Assessment Resource

Faculty Guide