Digital Credential Innovation offers standard microcredential services, including proposal consulting, microcredential and badge design, platform management, and badge issuance, all free of charge for UMBC departments and faculty.
This page outlines the cost-recovery rates that apply to a narrower set of projects requiring a substantially higher level of DCI involvement. If you are budgeting for a grant or a large-scale initiative, this page will help you understand which rates may apply and what to expect.
Does this apply to your project?
Service unit rates apply when a project meets both of the following conditions. If you are unsure whether your project qualifies, you do not need to make that determination on your own — it is something DCI works through with you as part of the intake consultation.
The project involves a significantly higher level of DCI work than a typical microcredentialFor example: issuing to a large number of recipients, building multiple sequential microcredentials, and/or requiring ongoing coordination over an extended period. |
The project is a distinctly new initiativeThe project requires DCI to dedicate time and resources beyond our existing day-to-day workflows, rather than fitting into an already established microcredential program or process. |
Note on funding source: Whether a project is externally funded does not by itself determine whether service unit rates apply. Rates are charged based on the scope and nature of DCI involvement, and the same rates apply regardless of funding source.
FY2027 Service Unit Rates
Rates are approved for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, and apply to each microcredential approved and added to the UMBC digital credentialing portfolio. The rates are not variable.
| Tier | Description | Rate per Microcredential |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement | Participation- or attendance-based credentials recognizing engagement with a learning experience | $875 |
| Knowledge / Meta | Credentials recognizing demonstrated knowledge acquisition or pathways of transferable competencies | $2,190 |
| Proficiency / Mastery | Credentials recognizing demonstrated application of skills or mastery-level performance with evidence | $3,065 |
Not sure which tier applies to your credential? See the Types of Credentials page for descriptions of each tier.
What’s next?
If your project seems to meet both conditions above, the next step is the same as for any microcredential proposal: submit a Short Form to start the conversation or begin your draft. Questions about scope, cost, and whether service unit rates apply are worked out during the intake consultation.
Learn More about Proposing Microcredentials
Questions about rates or whether your project qualifies? Submit a support ticket, and Digital Credential Innovation will follow up.