NACADA Microcredentials

NACADA is committed to providing you with the tools necessary to achieve your professional goals and we understand that communicating your credentials in an ever-expanding online marketplace can be challenging. That is why we have partnered with Credly to provide you with a digital version of your credentials.

Digital badges can be used in email signatures or digital resumes, and on social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. This digital image contains verified metadata that describes your qualifications and the process required to earn them.

You can earn a microcredential for participating in a range of activities, including eTutorials and leadership training courses.

What is microcredentialing?

A microcredential is a small, specialized learning event designed to develop a specific skill set or competency. These credentials are typically shorter in duration compared to traditional degree programs and often focus on practical, industry-relevant skills.

They verify achievement in a specific area of study or professional development in a form that is shareable with peers, employers and educational providers. Additionally, microcredentials are recognized by employers as evidence of specific competencies and can be a valuable addition to a person's resume or professional development portfolio.

What is a digital badge?

Digital badges are an electronic representation of a microcredential that is visual, available online and embedded with metadata that provides context, meaning and the result of an activity. Employers need concrete evidence of what you had to do to earn them and what you’re now capable of.

They are easy to manage, verify, and share online. Digital badges can be added to one's CV/resume, LinkedIn profile, share via social media, and attached to email signatures.

NACADA Microcredentials

NACADA a variety of different microcredentials spanning a wide range of topics and skills. Check out all of the current badges available below and be sure check back often as we add more.

2024 Leadership Onboarding

Appointed and elected NACADA leaders can earn this badge.

Advising in an Online Setting

Earn this Badge

Advising First-Generation Students

Offered in conjunction with the Council for Opportunity in Education

Earn this Badge

Advising LGBTQA+ Students

Earn this Badge

Advising Transfer Students

Earn this Badge

Advising Undecided & Exploratory Students

Earn this Badge

Advisor Training and Development: Foundations

Earn this Badge

Advisor Training and Development: Advanced

Earn this Badge

Career Advising

Earn this Badge

Creating Online Flipped Advising Activities

Earn this Badge

Creating Online Professional Development

Earn this Badge

Creating Peer Advising Programs

Earn this Badge

Introduction to Academic Advising

Earn this Badge

Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry

Earn this Badge

Theory and Practice of Advising

Earn this Badge

Claim your microcredentials

Follow our easy step-by-step guide to start earning and using your NACADA Microcredentials.

Learn and earn

Complete the participating eTutorial or leadership development course

Claim it

Once you’ve earned a badge, you’ll receive a confirmation email from NACADA and a notification from Credly (the digital badge platform) with instructions to set up your account, claim and share your badge.

Share it

Let current or potential new employers know about your new credential by showcasing it. You can share your digital badge on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, via email and embedded in your resume, personal website and email signature.

How is a microcredential/badge valuable to me?

A badge allows you to easily manage, share (online), and verify your NACADA microcredential(s). This includes real-time authentication of your certification(s) and when you obtained it (them). Badges provide employers and peers concrete evidence of what you had to do to earn your certification(s), what you do to actively maintain your certification(s), and your skillset. Badges can be shared in your email signature, on your electronic résumé, and on your LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter profiles.

Why is NACADA offering digital badges and microcredentials?

We know many people proudly list their certification/microcredential(s) on their social profiles, email signatures, and other platforms, so we are providing digital badges to help you display a visual depiction of your accomplishments. In addition, a digital badge conveys other critical information, such as what it takes to earn the certification(s), key skills you’ve demonstrated, and when you earned the certification/microcredential(s).

Who is Credly?

Credly is the end-to-end solution for issuing and managing digital credentials. Credly works with credible organizations to provide digital credentials to individuals, worldwide.

I've never received a microcredential from Credly before. Do I have to create a Credly account?

Yes, you will have to create an account on Credly’s platform. The email you receive after earning your first NACADA microcredential you will be provided instructions on how to get set up. Your Credly account will act as a portfolio of digital credentials you receive from NACADA and other organizations, such as Microsoft, Coursera, etc.

Is there a fee to utilize Credly?

No. This is a service we provide to you, at no cost.

I completed ____ before 2024, will I get a badge?

All eTutorials and other microcredentialing events offered prior to 2024 will not receive a digital badge. Requirements for the events/course have changed. If you'd like to earn a badge for that content, you will need to retake the course/event.

Who can I contact with questions about the NACADA microcredentialing program?

Please contact Elisa Shaffer ([email protected]) with questions about the NACADA microcredentialing program.

What if I no longer have access to the email account where I accepted my badge?

Credly badges are issued by email address, so it is very important to keep your Credly email address updated and matching your myNACADA preferred email address.
Update your preferred email in myNACADA. Please email [email protected] to tell us you no longer have access to your Credly, and need your email in Credly updated. NACADA must update Credly on your behalf, and will use your myNACADA email. If you have access to your Credly account, you may add your new email address to your Credly profile.

I have a question about the Credly platform. Where can I find support?

You can find answers to frequently asked questions here: https://support.credly.com/hc/en-us.

How do I keep someone else from copying my badge and using it?

While badges are simply digital image files, they are uniquely linked to data hosted on Credly. This link to verified data makes them more reliable and secure than a paper-based certificate. It also eliminates the possibility of anyone claiming your credential and your associated identity.

Can I export badges issued through Credly to other badge storing platforms?

Yes. Your downloaded badge contains Open Badge Infrastructure (OBI)-compliant metadata embedded into the image. This allows you to store your badge on other OBI-compliant badge sites, such as the Mozilla backpack.

Can I import badges issued from other platforms into Credly?

Not at this time.