A Step-by-Step Guide for Submitting Your First Micro-credential

It’s normal to feel unsure when submitting a micro-credential for the first time. You might think, “Am I doing this right?” or “What if I miss something?”

But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, first-time micro-credential earners will find everything you need to complete a successful micro-credential submission.

Step 1: Find the micro-credential that suits your needs

Choosing the right micro-credential is the first step to success. You can find them in two main ways:

• Explore our platform: In the Explore tab, you can easily filter options by criteria such as issuers, skill “stacks,” and keywords.
• Use our explorer tool: For a more tailored search, the Explorer tool can identify micro-credentials based on audiences, topics, and required evidence types.

With several hundred micro-credentials available, take the time to choose one that truly aligns with your professional development goals. Before applying, confirm that the details of the micro-credential apply to your skill set.
Consider reaching out to colleagues about the micro-credentials they’ve pursued. Our community thrives on shared learning, and embarking on this journey with peers can make it even more rewarding.

Step 2. Understand the requirements thoroughly

Before you begin drafting your responses, it’s essential to thoroughly review all provided materials, particularly the Method Components section. This section outlines the key methodologies, actionable steps, or strategies required to demonstrate the competency. It forms the foundation for your artifact submission and how it will be assessed. A careful read here will significantly clarify what evidence you need to prepare. It’s also important to understand our guidelines for collaboration and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

On collaboration:

• For micro-credentials assessing standardized skills (e.g., Fundamental Spreadsheet Skills), submissions typically require individual work.)
• However, for more project-based micro-credentials (e.g., Developing a Collaborative Coaching Plan), collaboration is often welcomed. If you collaborate, please ensure you:
  1. Clearly state in Part 1 that it is a collaborative effort involving two or more educators.
  2. Describe the nature and rationale of the collaboration, including task delegation.
  3. Ensure your submitted Part 1 Overview and Part 3 Reflection are personalized and individualized.
• Please note: Duplicated collaborative submissions will be denied, requiring resubmission with distinct personalized overviews and reflections.

On AI policy:

• Some issuers prohibit the use of AI-generated content.
• Others permit AI as a thought partner or for grammar checks, but learners must specify why and how AI was utilized in their response.
• Generally, content that is exclusively AI-generated will lead to a denial for most micro-credentials.

Step 3. Prepare and review your submission

Now, it’s time to focus on crafting your submission. These practical recommendations will help you present your best work:

• Consult the rubrics: Assessors evaluate submissions against publicly available rubrics for each section. Using these rubrics as a checklist before submission will significantly enhance your chances of earning the award.
• Protect personal information: It’s crucial to avoid including any personal information about yourself or others, particularly when working with minors.
• Ensure evidence quality and accessibility: Confirm that all uploaded files are readable and that any linked resources (e.g., Google Drive documents) are accessible (i.e., set to “anyone with the link can view”).
  • Verify that images and text are clear and sufficiently sized for easy understanding.
  • For large video files, linking from Google Drive is preferred over direct upload.
  • If your submission includes multiple files, clearly name each one to guide assessors.
• Draft offline: We highly recommend drafting your responses in a Word document or Google Doc first, then transferring them to the platform. This prevents any potential loss of your work.
• Seek peer review: We recommend having a colleague or coach review your submission. An extra set of eyes can provide valuable feedback and increase your confidence before you submit.

After submitting, you’ll enter a 14-business-day review period. If your result isn’t available by then, simply submit a ticket via our helpdesk, including your submission ID, and we’ll provide an update.

Step 4. Receiving your result and the assessors’ feedback

When you receive your award or denial notification, take a moment to go back to your submission and review the feedback provided by the assessors.

Feedback might look like a pat on the back saying you did a great job in specific areas; a constructive challenge for you to work on; recommendations for additional learning resources to support your journey; a personal comment and or connection. Because earners devote time and energy to their submissions, assessors make an effort to reciprocate their hard work by providing targeted feedback and insights.

For most technical questions, Digital Promise’s helpdesk article repository is a great resource. If you need additional support, you can send us a helpdesk ticket. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth micro-credential submission, we’re always here to support you with a successful credentialing experience!

Now you’re ready to start earning your first micro-credentials. Visit Digital Promise’s Micro-credential Platform to kick-start your professional development journey.

Digital Promise has been a pioneer in competency-based micro-credentials and has more than 10 years of experience in supporting organizations with their micro-credentialing needs. Check out this eBook, The Role of Micro-Credentials in Lifelong Learning and Development: Empowering Learners, Empowering Organizations, a comprehensive resource accessible to all interested in understanding micro-credentials. If you are interested in learning more about Digital Promise’s micro-credential services, please contact us at centerforlearnerpathways@digitalpromise.org.