LDI Terms

This page provides a glossary of terms the LDI uses related to non-degree credentials (NDCs).

LDI use of non-degree credential terms 

  1. Badge: A digital or physical marker that recognizes a credential earned upon completion of a specific learning pathway. 

  1. CEU/Professional Hours: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Hours (PDHs) are programming hours recognized by accrediting bodies that count toward maintaining professional licenses and certifications. The time commitment varies based on the stipulations of accrediting bodies. 

  1. Certificate of Completion: Recognizes that a participant attended or completed a workshop or a course.  

  1. Certifications: Issued by an accrediting body, certifications attest to a professional’s qualifications in a particular field. They may require a certain number of practice hours and continued education units (CEUs) to maintain. 

  1. Course: For the LDI, a course is typically online, two-hours, and self-paced. No instructor is involved as this is a module where the student completes the work without the involvement of an instructor.   

  1. Free Webinar: An online seminar that is offered at no cost to participants. It typically involves a panel, presentation, or lecture on a specific topic, followed by a Q&A session. 

  1. Group: two or more courses together under a specific topic.

  2. Licenses: Credentials awarded by a government agency or other authorized organization that constitute legal authority to perform a specific job. Licenses are typically earned through a combination of degree or certificate attainment, certifications, assessments, work experience, and/or fees, and must be renewed periodically. (not currently offered by the LDI)

  1. Microcredential: A short, competency-based recognition that can be earned upon completion of one or more groups within a specific learning pathway.

  2. Non-Credit: a course or program without academic credit towards a degree tied to it. 

  3. Non-Degree Credential (NDC): an NDC is a badge or certificate awarded to someone who completes a learning experience and who does not receive academic credit for it.  

  1. Workshop: A short, intensive learning experience designed to teach or introduce practical skills, techniques, or ideas that participants can use in their work or daily life.  A workshop can be one to four hours and conducted virtually or in person. 

  1. Workforce Development: Programs and initiatives designed to improve the skills and competencies of workers, often to meet the needs of employers and the labor market. This can include training, education, and career development services. 

For more information, please see these resources