Surge Micro-credentials

What it is

Surge Micro-credentials is the short-course arm of Saskatchewan Polytechnic: the about page says Surge is "powered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic." It sells individual micro-credentials, short and focused units of training that build skill in one specific area, to working adults who, in the FAQ's words, "don't have the time or budget to enroll in longer study." Most offerings can be completed in less than a month, and the site sums up the pitch as getting skills "in weeks, not years."

There are two audiences. Individual learners buy a micro-credential, study it online and collect a digital badge to show employers. Businesses can commission custom micro-credentials for their staff through Surge Studio. Both sides make Surge a fit for professional and continuing education rather than for degree study.

The catalog

Offerings are grouped into categories: Business and Productivity, Computers and Technology, the C2R2 Quick Train Program, Education and Early Learning, Entrepreneurship and Leadership, Health and Wellness, Industry and Manufacturing, French Offerings and Surge Live. A separate Microsoft section covers Microsoft Certificates, Microsoft Courses and Microsoft Exams. The Microsoft Exams page describes its Microsoft Fundamentals courses as a way to jump-start a career "while earning globally recognized and industry-endorsed Microsoft certifications."

The all-offerings page widens the description to subjects "from business and technology to healthcare, education, hospitality, human services and more." The Business and Productivity page frames its courses around growing a network, learning business fundamentals and leading digital transformation.

How a micro-credential is built

Each micro-credential is made of micro-learnings, which the FAQ calls building blocks designed to progress knowledge and skills. The about page adds that each micro-credential is built on 2 or 3 stackable micro-learnings. Content comes as text, audio or video, with practice through scenarios, guided practice, knowledge checks and quizzes, and the about page says learners get real-world scenarios and projects to apply what they learn.

Length varies: the FAQ says each micro-credential "can take from 2-15 hours to complete." There are no prerequisites. Although the courses are self-paced, an instructor is available to contact with questions, reachable through the Class List email function in Brightspace.

Delivery and access

The FAQ describes Surge Micro-credentials as self-paced learning modules delivered completely online through Brightspace, "Surge's learning platform." The home page also mentions two delivery methods, "real-time events with industry pros or self-paced online offerings," and lists online, classroom and hybrid options, with Surge Live as its own category.

Access works on a clock. A "Choose start date" pop-up lets learners decide when to begin: selecting today gives instant access, selecting a future date opens the content on that day. Within two business days of registering, a learner receives a Confirmation of Enrollment email and an ID Info email with Brightspace log-in details. From sign-up, Microsoft Fundamental courses allow six months to complete the content and all other courses allow 90 days (three months). After finishing, learners can return to review the material for as long as their Saskatchewan Polytechnic ID is valid.

The technical requirements are modest: a stable internet connection and an up-to-date browser such as Firefox, Chrome or Microsoft Edge. On accessibility, the FAQ says the micro-credentials can be read by most screen-reading software and all images have alt text, and learners who need further accommodations can email the team.

Passing and badges

Progress is tracked through milestones inside each micro-learning, marked by indicator badges. Some micro-credentials include quizzes with a minimum grade required for the formal micro-credential badge; where there is a quiz, learners get unlimited attempts. Every micro-credential also requires the learner to open and interact with all of its content before the badge is released.

For each micro-credential, the learner receives what the FAQ calls "an industry-recognized digital badge to share on your resume or social media." The about page says learners earn micro-learning badges and a digital certification, and that the badges are recognized by industry leaders. Badges live in Brightspace under Assessments, then Awards, then My Awards. From there a learner can share to LinkedIn with a public link to the award, copy a public link to send anywhere, or print the badge or save it as a PDF.

Price and refunds

Surge sells each micro-credential individually through an online cart and checkout. The FAQ says micro-credentials "range in price and are priced individually," and adds that "International rates do not apply." The refund policy is firm: "Unfortunately we are unable to issue refunds on the purchase of Surge Micro-credentials." Receipts go to the learner's Sask Polytech email account.

One micro-credential is free: Unshakeable Workforce, which the FAQ recommends to employers. It is a pre-recorded discussion among industry leaders in business and higher education about upskilling with micro-credentials as a means of employee retention, and it awards a digital badge on completion.

For employers and partners

Surge Studio is the business service. The about page says it helps "streamline and structure your training process based on your individual business needs," from healthcare to trades. According to the FAQ, the Surge Studio team can assess an employer's current training, determine learning gaps and suggest custom micro-credentials and badging. Businesses can also work with a developer in an open, virtual studio space to build their own micro-credentials, and the FAQ says Surge "can host and sell your offerings on a large scale" or use them for enterprise training.

The partnerships page explains how the catalog is shaped. Surge works with industry leaders to design its micro-credentials, and the Government of Saskatchewan is described as a strong partner, funding learners to upskill, reskill and formalize skills through a variety of ministries. Listed projects include a digital upskilling pilot with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) for the mining sector, the Microsoft Canada Skills Program and Saskatchewan Polytechnic joining the Next Generation Manufacturing Supercluster.

Support

Surge answers inquiries within two business days, by email at surge@saskpolytech.ca or by phone at 1-306-659-4418. Sign-in problems go to the IT Service Desk as a troubleshooting ticket, and course questions can go to the instructor.

Who it suits

Surge suits a working professional who wants a specific, quickly earned credential: a Microsoft Fundamentals course, a short leadership or business unit, or a sector skill in health, education or manufacturing. The 2 to 15 hour length and the 90-day window fit around a job, and LinkedIn-ready badges make the result visible.

It also suits employers who want tailored micro-credentials built with Surge Studio. Learners should note the completion window and the no-refund policy before buying, and anyone looking for a degree or diploma will need a longer program.