QUESTIONS? 

WHAT IS A BADGE?

Simply put, a badge is a digital representation of a credential and/or an achievement.  For NWCA, badges signify to employers and educational institutions that the earner has demonstrated verifiable competency in a particular area. 

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREDENTIALS AND MICROCREDENTIALS?

A credential from NWCA demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of an entire content area, industry or area of expertise. An NWCA credential indicates to prospective or current employers that an earner has passed an extensive, rigorous exam which thoroughly tests the competency and skills of the earner. Microcredentials are aimed at specific skill sets within a content area where users have a particular interest, experience or expertise. Employers need workers who know how to do a variety of things.

IN-DISCIPLINE MICROCREDENTIALS: For example, if you have a Credential in Accounting, you could earn related Microcredentials in Payroll, Office Management or Finance that would help employers to understand exactly how they can use you in their organization beyond just Accounting functions.

CROSS-DISCIPLINE MICROCREDENTIALS: Likewise, you can also gain Microcredentials from other areas of study to your Accounting credential.  If you wanted to apply your accounting skills to an administrative position in a medical office, for example, you could gain Microcredentials in Medical Billing & Coding, Electronic Health Records, HIPAA, or Emergency Management. This is a great way to show employers that you have multiple talents related to your primary credential that will help them to build a solid team.  

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE CREDENTIAL AND RELATED DIGITAL BADGE ONCE I EARN IT?

Have you ever earned a certificate of completion or degree of some sort?  Perhaps you have this document hanging on your wall at home.  While a fantastic achievement, who's able to see it besides you?

Digital badges are the future of accomplishment in a variety of ways:

1. Badges are available for potential/current employers to see everywhere that you put them.
2. Badges allow earners to showcase their skills to employers as a new measure of currency.
3. Badges signify independent, 3rd party verification of your skills.

WILL MY BADGES EVER EXPIRE?

The validity of an NWCA credential varies depending on the type. Microcredentials never expire, but credentials must be maintained by the earner through continuing education.  You can discover more about NWCA's re-credential and renewal policies and procedures here.

HOW DO I TAKE THE TEST?

NWCA exams can be taken online through our exclusive Learning Management System (LMS).  This secure digital environment ensures all NWCA policies and procedures are carried out during the exam. Once you select the exam you wish to take, you can access it directly from CampusEd.  Should you purchase it here, you'll receive an email with a link to the LMS where you can complete the exam on your time, anytime.  If you pass the exam, you'll be notified by NWCA of your success.  If you're registered at CampusEd®, your new digital badge will immediately be available on your profile.   

HOW IS THE EXAM PROCTORED IF I'M ONLINE?

NWCA's exclusive proctoring service walks you through all of the necessary identification procedures and testing requirements.  Once your exam begins, you'll be monitored accordingly so that we can be sure that all NWCA policies and procedures are adhered to throughout the examination process.