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The School of Computing at Holy Angel University (HAU) has officially integrated Badging Exams, also known as micro-credential assessments, into the grading system of its laboratory subjects.

Micro-credentials are short, skills-based certifications that validate a student’s ability in specific areas. At HAU, they take the form of badges awarded after successfully passing a Badging Exam. These serve as portable proof of competencies that students can use beyond the classroom.

The significance of these micro-credentials lies in their use for employability. Since computing programs do not have board examinations, badges provide students with tangible evidence of their skills. They can be added to résumés, CVs, and digital profiles, giving employers direct proof of competencies that align with industry needs.

Badging Exams were first introduced in the School of Computing in 2024 but were not included in the computation of students’ class standing. Beginning this academic year 2025–2026, however, the system has been fully implemented and incorporated into laboratory subject grades, marking a stronger commitment to integrating micro-credentials into formal academic structures.

This initiative aligns with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2025, which provides guidelines for higher education institutions to embed micro-credentials in their curricula. CHED, created under Republic Act No. 7722, is the government body regulating tertiary education in the Philippines. The new memorandum requires that micro-credentials be skills-based, verifiable, and aligned with the Philippine Qualifications Framework, ensuring that students earn industry-recognized certifications alongside their degrees.

By adopting this system, HAU becomes part of the growing number of institutions integrating micro-credentials to improve employability, recognize practical competencies, and support lifelong learning.

Within the grading system, class standing accounts for 100% of a student’s performance outside of major exams. Under the new scheme, 20% of this class standing is now allocated to Badging Exams, making them carry formal academic weight. For example, in subjects where the major exam is worth 30%, the remaining 70% is class standing, which can then be broken down into components such as written work, quizzes, laboratory activities, and badging assessments. A typical breakdown may look like 25% written outputs, 15% quizzes, 40% lab activities, and 20% Badging Exams, totaling 100%. This ensures that the badges are embedded as part of student performance rather than treated as a separate requirement.

Badging Exams are skills-based assessments conducted before each major exam (prelim, midterm, and final). These allow students to demonstrate their mastery of hands-on lessons taught in the lab. “It should be skills based… kaya as much as possible, hindi multiple-choice exam. It should be skills.” Dr. Tayag emphasized.

For instance, in his ethical hacking class, students are tasked to show reconnaissance techniques rather than answer theory-based questions. Other programs such as Cisco networking and Cyber Management have their own sets of badges aligned with subject competencies.

Dr. Tayag clarified that Badging Exams apply only to laboratory subjects. They are scheduled before or shortly after major written exams but must be completed before final grades are computed. Each badge has a description, is delivered through Canvas, and is designed to be tamper-proof: “At identifiable, hindi madadaya,” he said.

Retakes are generally not allowed unless granted by faculty under valid circumstances, similar to major exams. Review materials depend on the discretion of individual professors, who usually provide coverage based on their lesson outlines.

The system is currently unique to HAU’s School of Computing, making it one of the first programs in the university to embed badging directly into its courses. Unlike other institutions where badging is sometimes offered through external collaborations, HAU integrates the assessments into the curriculum itself, ensuring that they are closely tied to subject competencies.

The dean believes the system ensures both accountability and recognition:
“When you get the Badge pwede niyo ipagmayabang. Pwede mo ilagay sa credentials mo na may skills ka,” he said. “The good thing about this is it would benefit the student kasi makikita mo talaga na they have the skill.”

Link for Republic Act No. 7722:

https://www.ro10.ched.gov.ph/the-commission

Link for Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2025:https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/buenavista-community-college/character-formation-2-leadership-decision-making-management-and-administration/ched-cmo-no-01-series-of-2025-guidelines-for-micro-credentials-in-higher-ed/130028790

By: Jam Bito-on