What is Digital Badging:   A digital badge is a validated indicator of accomplishment, skill, quality, or interest that can be earned in many learning environments. 

The Michigan CyberPatriot Program will be using Open digital badging which makes it easy for anyone to issue, earn, and display badges across the web.  Our students, coaches and mentors, simply have to open a free account with Badgr.com.  Once they have an account the folks at MCISSE and their coach will issue them the appropriate badge at the end of each season of CyberPatriot.

The level of CyberPatriot play will indicate the level to which the student has achieved in these knowledge areas for both standards.  Our Silver level or at a beginner level, Gold or intermediate level and Platinum or advanced level.

Our Michigan CyberPatriot badges have been aligned to the   National Institute of Standards and Technology NICE Workforce Framework 

This model is a joint production of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NICE) and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It formally categorizes and structures the complete set of personnel categories for the profession of cybersecurity. NICE specifies seven knowledge areas, thirty-three specialty areas and fifty-two work roles for the cybersecurity profession. These cover the range of the profession. Successful completion of the CyberPatriot competition satisfies the critical workforce requirements for network and operating system security, specifically the roles of 

1) Systems Analysis (ANA) 

2) Customer Service and Technical Support (STS) 

3) Network Services (NET)

4) Systems Administration (ADM)

5) Cybersecurity Defense Analysis (CDA) 

6) Cybersecurity Defense Infrastructure Support (INF) 

7) Incident Response (CIR) 

The level of CyberPatriot play will indicate the level to which the student has achieved in these knowledge areas for both standards.  Our Silver level or at a beginner level, Gold or intermediate level and Platinum or advanced level.

We have also aligned our badges to the Michigan Computer Science Standards

As the foundation for all computing, computer science is defined as “the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their [implementation], and their impact on society” (Tucker et. al, 2003, p. 6). CS is frequently confused with the use of computers, such as accessing the internet and using computer programs and tools. While information technology (IT) can overlap with CS, it is mainly focused on the application of CS, such as the installation of computer software rather than the creation of it. It is important for students learning CS to have a sound understanding of IT concepts. CS is the study of why and how computers work and how to create technologies. Completion of the CyberPatriot competition satisfies the following Michigan Computer Science Standards: 

KA1: COMPUTING SYSTEMS from level 1A-3B 

KA2: NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET from level 1A-3B 

KA3: DATA AND ANALYSIS from level 1A- midway thru 3A 

KA4: ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING is not required but helps move your CyberPatriot team up into the Gold and Platinum levels. At the Silver level they reach from 1A, 1B observe intellectual property rights, and 3B security issues. 

KA5: IMPACTS OF COMPUTING 1A-most of 3B (missing are areas concerning accessibility and usability for a diverse population.)