How do badges and micro-credentials add value for learners and employers?

Parchment Digital Badges offer a verifiable, modern way to display the unique skills and learning outcomes of UMBC students.
Unlike traditional transcripts, badges provide deeper insights into specific competencies that reflect both personal and professional growth.

For Learners

1. Showcase unique skills: Highlight specific accomplishments — such as leadership, research, or technical expertise — that may not appear on transcripts.

2. Build a professional profile: Share verified achievements directly on LinkedIn, resumes, or portfolios.

3. Support lifelong learning: Earn smaller, focused credentials that align with evolving career goals.

4. Enhance career readiness: Demonstrate practical, employer-relevant competencies alongside academic success.

For Employers

1. Verify skills at a glance: Badges serve as trusted digital proof of a candidate’s knowledge and abilities.

2. Improve candidate matching: Help employers quickly identify applicants with job-relevant skills.

3. Ensure transparency: Each badge includes metadata such as issuing organization, criteria, and evidence of achievement.

4. Bridge education and employment: Create a clearer connection between classroom learning and real-world performance.