Writing a good description is vital to conveying the purpose of the micro-credential to employers and learners. The description is one of the first items that people encounter when they view the badge. We are including examples of well written descriptions for Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and the Macro-Badge to help guide the writing process.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
General Formatting
- The Description text cannot include links, bolds, underlines, or bullets.
- Descriptions are typically 3-4 sentences in length. You want to include just enough information for the reader to understand the learning/achievement represented by the badge and the context for earning it.
Examples of Level 1 Descriptions
Deep Technology Entrepreneurship Level 1
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner’s foundational knowledge in deep technology entrepreneurship. The learner demonstrated knowledge and competency in basic entrepreneurial skills related to customer discovery, networking/team building, value proposition, estimation, and self-awareness, with an emphasis on communication and idea sharing through the completion of online course modules and practical tasks.
Preventive Controls Level 1
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner’s introductory learning of Preventive Controls (PC). The badge earner demonstrated foundational knowledge of the principles of Preventive Controls for Human Foods. The learner completed Segment 1 training toward Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance certification (FSPCA certificate) to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) for the development and implementation of a food safety plan as part of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations.
Introductory GIS Mapping and Analysis Level 1
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner’s engagement in foundational learning in geographic information systems (GIS). This badge earner developed an understanding of basic GIS concepts, cartographic principles and fundamentals of map design, including but not limited to the discovery of existing map data sources; understanding of map types and conventions; designing map layouts; and sharing online maps.
Examples of Level 2 Descriptions
Preventive Controls Level 2
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner’s completion of training in Preventive Controls (PC). The earner completed Segment 2 training toward Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance certification (FSPCA certificate) to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements and earned certification as a PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual). This badge earner demonstrated competence in developing and implementing food safety plans. Such plans are vital to the development of a food safety system. All FDA-regulated food manufacturing companies must implement a Food Safety Plan for their facility.
Introductory GIS Mapping and Analysis Level 2
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner’s engagement in Level 2 training designed for the learner to further geographic information systems (GIS) practices and develop competencies in preparation for success in a real world project experience in Level 3. This Level 2 badge earner built upon the Level 1 competencies, earning two micro-badges, adding skills in creating, editing and accessing map data and performing basic map analysis and geoprocessing, including proximity and overlay analysis; filtering and subsetting data sets; analyzing spatial patterns; and an understanding of the modifiable areal unit problem and issues related to aggregation.
Maine Horticulture Apprenticeship Level 2
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner completing part 2 of the Maine Horticulture Apprenticeship coursework. The learner has knowledge of the key horticulture concepts in the following areas of horticulture: Foundations of Horticulture (botany, soils, and propagation), Food Production (vegetable, small fruit, and tree fruit production and maintenance), Garden Pests and Diseases (prevention, identification, and safe treatment), and Maine Landscapes and Designs (plant selection, landscape design, and maintenance). Specific learning outcomes for each area are outlined in further detail in the Maine Horticulture Learning Standards.
Examples of Level 3 Descriptions
Maine Horticulture Apprenticeship Level 3
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner’s completion of part 3 of the Maine Horticulture Apprenticeship Training by successfully completing an approved horticulture apprenticeship with an eligible business or non-profit organization. This learner demonstrated proficiency, as assessed by the eligible apprenticeship host, in at least 5 of the following areas: Watering/irrigation, Pest management, Plant management, Customer service, Planting and/or seeding, Plant selection and design, Safe and proper use of equipment, Monitoring for plants and pests, and Educational outreach.
Preventive Controls Level 3
This badge was issued in recognition of the learner’s application of their learning of Preventive Controls (PC) in a real-world food processing setting. The learner reached a level of applied competency in developing, implementing, and managing Preventive Controls for Human Foods. The learner met the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) requirements for Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) for the development and implementation of a food safety plan as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulation, and has demonstrated that they can manage a PC plan.
Introductory GIS Mapping and Analysis Level 3
This badge was issued in recognition of the completion of an experiential learning project for a client, demonstrating the ability to integrate geospatial technology skills, including basic skills in aligning project outcomes to stated goals, map critiquing, and map revision.
Examples of Macro-Badge Descriptions
Deep Technology Entrepreneurship Micro-Credential
This micro-credential recognizes and validates the learner’s successful completion of the University of Maine System (UMS) Deep Technology Entrepreneurship pathway (Levels 1, 2, and 3). Deep technology is based on technical engineering innovation or scientific advancement and often focuses on physical products or manufacturing processes. Deep technology entrepreneurship requires a unique combination of technical knowledge, business skills, and collaborative team building. Learners gained skills in customer discovery, value proposition, networking, estimation, and self-awareness. As a culminating activity, learners independently developed a pitch outlining a plan for a deep technology entrepreneurial venture commercializing a process or product associated with research at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). Evidence was assessed using rubrics aligned to the Department of Labor Entrepreneurship Competency Model to verify knowledge and skill competency by UMS faculty/staff to ensure UMS micro-credential quality standards were met.
Maine Horticulture Apprenticeship Micro-Credential
This micro-credential recognizes and validates the learner’s successful completion of the University of Maine System (UMS) Maine Horticulture Apprenticeship pathway (Levels 1, 2, and 3). The learner completed parts 1-3 of the Maine Horticulture Apprenticeship Training and met the Horticulture Learning Standards set by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The micro-credential culminated in a work experience at an approved Apprenticeship site. The learner demonstrated proficiency in at least 5 of the following areas: watering/irrigation, pest management, plant management, customer service, planting and/or seeding, plant selection and design, safe and proper use of equipment, monitoring for plants and pests, and educational outreach. Proficient is defined as being able to work independently without supervision to complete this task.
Preventive Controls Micro-Credential
This micro-credential recognizes and validates the learner’s successful completion of the University of Maine System (UMS) Preventive Controls pathway (Levels 1, 2, and 3). The learner can develop, implement, manage, and meet reporting requirements for a Preventive Controls plan. Learners completed knowledge, skill, and application assessments, and received positive feedback from a work or field experience mentor or supervisor.
Last Update: 12/02/2022