Noncredit Course Development Services

Microcredentials are relevant, high quality and market-aligned learning opportunities that are acknowledged in the form of a digital badge. K-State Microcredentials have the following characteristics:

• focused on learners and their interests, needs, skills and career goals
• awarded based on demonstrated skill or competency in a specific area(s)
• developed, approved and endorsed by the university
• gained in a shorter or more flexible time period
• stand-alone or stackable leading to a certificate or degree (for credit microcredentials)

The primary of purpose of continuing education hours is to provide a permanent record of educational activities for professionals needing contact hours for licensure or to meet accrediting requirements. Programs offered for K-State CE hours verify that educational content is provided by a faculty expert from the university or that content and instructional providers have been vetted and approved by K-State faculty who are subject matter experts. It is the responsibility of the individual receiving K-State CE hours to verify with their accrediting body that K-State hours will be accepted.

Noncredit certification training courses lead to the attainment of a professional certification, which is evidence that the learner has achieved a specific competency at a certain level. Certifications may be preferred or required for certain professions. Certification is a designation earned by an individual to assure qualification to perform a job or task. Certification training courses are designed to build a learner’s skills and knowledge leading to professional industry certification.

A certificate of completion may be awarded to a noncredit participant who successfully fulfills course requirements. Requirements typically include one or more of the following to demonstrate evidence of knowledge learned and to confirm successful course completion:

• Assessment
• Assignment
• Project
• Other activities that demonstrate learning comprehension of course content

K-State offers a wide variety of noncredit programming designed for individuals and professionals who desire to gain knowledge or enhance their learning in a specific area. Professional education may include workforce development and upskilling, contracted and custom training, seminars, workshops and other outreach programs that provide educational value but may not require assessment of learning.