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?
- Food Safety (External Site)
- Grant Writing Essentials (External Site)
- Innovation (External Site)
- Project Management (External Site)
- Dawnland – Maine Indian History Micro-Badge (External Site)
… 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.
Micro-credential options:
Contact Us
Do you have a question? Would you like to suggest future micro-credentials? Email us at ums.mc@maine.edu.