How to Choose the Right Credential Type

Selecting the appropriate Credential Type is a key step in setting up your credential details. This classification ensures that your certificates and badges are accurately represented in the digital ecosystem, providing the necessary context for recipients, employers, and verifying institutions. Use the following definitions as a guide to ensure your achievements are categorized correctly within the Sertifier platform.

Academic & Formal Degrees

These types represent the completion of a multi-year program of study at an accredited higher education institution.

• Associate Degree: An undergraduate academic degree awarded upon completion of a course of study intended to last usually two years.

• Bachelor's Degree: An undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course or major that generally lasts three to five years.

• Masters Degree: A postgraduate academic degree awarded upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field.

• Doctoral Degree: The highest level of academic degree, qualifying the holder to teach at university level or work in a highly specialized profession.

• Diploma: A certificate issued by an educational institution testifying that the recipient has successfully completed a particular course of study.

Professional & Technical Certifications

These types focus on industry-recognized qualifications, job roles, or technical competencies.

• Professional Certification: A designation earned to assure qualification to perform a job or task, usually issued by a professional body or industry association.

• Technical Certification: A credential that validates specific technical skills and knowledge, typically in fields such as IT, engineering, or specialized software.

• Apprenticeship Completion: A credential signifying the successful conclusion of a formal program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

• Internship Completion: Recognition given to a student or trainee who has worked in an organization to gain professional experience.

• Micro-credential: Proof of learning outcomes acquired following a short, targeted learning experience focused on specific knowledge or competencies.

Certificates & Course Completion

These options recognize the fulfillment of specific educational requirements or short-term programs.

• Certificate of Completion: A document issued to learners who have finished a program or course, confirming they have met the curriculum requirements.

• Course Completion: Formally recognizes that a learner has satisfied all requirements of a specific unit of study or single course.

• Course: Recognition of enrollment in or completion of a specific instructional period.

• Postgraduate Certificate: A credential representing a period of university-level study following a bachelor's degree, usually shorter than a Master’s program.

• Postgraduate Diploma: Typically involving a more extensive program of postgraduate study, often one full academic year.

Skills & Achievements

These types highlight specific milestones, competencies, or individual excellence.

• Skill Mastery: Verification that an individual has reached a high level of proficiency in a specific, measurable skill.

• Competency-Based Achievement: Recognition based on the learner's ability to demonstrate specific skills rather than time spent in a classroom.

• Capstone Achievement: Awarded for the successful completion of a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating intellectual experience.

• Leadership Achievement: Recognition of an individual's ability to lead, manage, or influence others within a professional or academic context.

• Creative Work: Recognition for the production of original art, design, writing, or other creative outputs.

• Research Contribution: Recognition of an individual's involvement in or contribution to original research or scholarly publications.

Experience & Participation

These types validate presence and engagement in various professional or community environments.

• Conference Participation: Evidence of attendance and engagement at a professional or academic conference.

• Hackathon Participation: Recognition for participating in a collaborative coding or problem-solving event.

• Teaching Experience: Verification of time spent in an instructional or pedagogical role.

• Volunteer Experience: Recognition of unpaid work performed for the benefit of the community or an organization.

• Workshop: Evidence of participation in a brief, intensive educational program focusing on specific techniques and skills.

• Participation: A general recognition of involvement in an event, program, or initiative.

Recognition & Awards

These designations highlight excellence, longevity, or organizational status.

• Award: A mark of recognition given in honor of a specific achievement or high-quality performance.

• Badge of Excellence: A visual representation of a specific accomplishment that exceeds standard expectations.

• Lifelong Learning Recognition: A credential acknowledging an individual’s ongoing, self-motivated pursuit of knowledge.

• Membership: Verification that an individual belongs to a specific professional organization, society, or group.

• Custom Achievement: A flexible category for unique milestones that do not fit into standard classifications.