Comparison of Micro Credential, Professional Certificate, and Advanced Certification

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	Micro Credential	Professional Certificate	Advanced Certification
Requirements to qualify	Be an OT or OTA practitioner or student.	Be a licensed/certified OT or OTA (Students obtaining the required micro credentials must be practicing as licensed OT or OTA prior to completing the integration course required for the certificate).	Minimum amount of experience as an OT (e.g., 3 years).
Completing the program	Complete a specific set of online courses, including foundational courses.	Complete foundational courses, complete 3 micro credentials, complete integration courses.	Successfully complete a comprehensive examination.
Outcome of the program	A micro credential with a digital badge that can be used in many places including social media, résumés, online profiles, and digital signatures. The badge will link to a verification page showing potential employers, organizations, and colleagues that the practitioner has completed the micro credential and has obtained/possesses certain skills as a result.	Professional certificate comes with a digital badge that can be used in many places, including social media, résumés, online profiles, and digital signatures. The badge will link to a verification page showing potential employers, organizations, and colleagues that the practitioner has achieved the required knowledge and skills for the professional certificate.	OT would receive proof of certification and would be able to use a credential as a part of their name, professional signature, and professional designation.
Renewal	Micro credentials do not require renewal. A practitioner who achieves the badge may use the digital icon for the life of the program.	Professional certificates do not require renewal. A practitioner who achieves the professional certificate may use the digital icon for the life of the program.	At regular intervals, the OT would be required to meet the renewal criteria. If the OT does not complete the required renewal, they would no longer hold the advanced certification and would not be able to use the credential.