Advance or Become a Competitive Candidate in Today’s Workforce

Don’t have time or resources to earn a degree right now? Need a place to start building your competencies? Start small and gain big with University of Maine System (UMS) micro-credentials, which are available for training and professional development.


Micro-credentials are a new professional development opportunity.

The University of Maine System (UMS) offers professional development opportunities that result in a verified micro-credential for those who want to update their skillset. A fully stacked micro-credential badge indicates that you have successfully completed a high-quality and rigorous training and were able to demonstrate the skills you developed in a work-based setting. Micro-credentials prove to your employer that you have skills needed in today’s workplace.

Some of the many reasons to consider earning a micro-credential include:

  • Gain skills needed for advancement within your company
  • Verify your skillsets to your current or future employer
  • Gain competitive skills for the job search
  • Learn to articulate specific skills to potential employers
  • Enhance a digital, professional identity

Micro-credentials can be shared on professional social media sites such as LinkedIn, or on your website or portfolio.


What University of Maine System micro-credentials can professionals and community members earn?

… And more!

View the full list of micro-credentials offered through the University of Maine System. More micro-credentials are coming soon!

How to get started:

Each badge has a set of criteria and evidence needed to earn it. Evidence is assessed by faculty or staff.

  • View the full list of micro-credentials offered through the University of Maine System. Click on the micro-credentials of interest in the catalog for more detailed information.
  • Email the contact for the specific micro-credential of interest to learn more.

Adult Learners interested in Adult Education:

You can earn the Computer Support Specialist micro-credential through a partnership with the Maine Department of Education, Adult Education and other partners. Contact Megan Dichter for details, email: megan.dichter@maine.edu.

Learn more about Adult Degree Completion on our adult completion site and through Maine Adult Education (External Site).

Professionals and community members looking to verify skills that employers are seeking:

The University of Maine System also offers eight 21st Century Skills Micro-Badges through a partnership with Education Design Lab (External Site), where you can earn badges in:

  • Collaboration
  • Creative Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Empathy
  • Initiative
  • Intercultural Fluency
  • Oral Communication
  • Resilience

For a limited time, these badges to be are open to the public — at no cost to you! The modules are all online.

Click here for information and register for 21st Century Skills Micro-Badges.



Contact Us

Do you have a question? Would you like to suggest future micro-credentials? Email us at ums.mc@maine.edu.