# WIA-EDU-012 Micro-Credential Standard v1.0

## Phase 1: Data Format & Structure

**Status:** ✅ Complete
**Version:** 1.0.0
**Date:** 2025-01-15
**Philosophy:** 弘益人間 (Benefit All Humanity)

---

## 1. Overview

This specification defines the foundational data format and structure requirements for WIA-compliant micro-credentials. Phase 1 establishes Open Badges 3.0 as the mandatory format with comprehensive metadata for digital badges, skill certifications, and stackable credentials.

## 2. Scope

Phase 1 covers:
- Credential data format (Open Badges 3.0 + WIA extensions)
- Metadata schemas for micro-credentials
- Digital badge structure
- Competency mapping
- Evidence requirements
- Privacy controls

## 3. Open Badges 3.0 Base Format

### 3.1 Core Requirements

All micro-credentials MUST conform to Open Badges 3.0 specification as defined by 1EdTech Consortium.

**Mandatory Components:**
- Credential assertion in JSON-LD format
- Badge class definition
- Issuer profile
- Cryptographic proof
- Verification endpoint

### 3.2 Data Structure

```json
{
  "@context": [
    "https://w3id.org/openbadges/v3",
    "https://wia.org/context/v1"
  ],
  "type": "OpenBadgeCredential",
  "id": "urn:uuid:91537dba-56cb-11ec-a1c3-0b40de2a2a74",
  "issuer": {
    "id": "https://wia.org/issuers/academy",
    "type": "Profile",
    "name": "WIA Academy",
    "url": "https://wia.org/academy",
    "email": "credentials@wia.org"
  },
  "issuanceDate": "2025-01-15T00:00:00Z",
  "credentialSubject": {
    "id": "did:example:learner123",
    "type": "AchievementSubject",
    "achievement": {
      "id": "https://wia.org/badges/micro-credential-expert",
      "type": "Achievement",
      "name": "Micro-Credential Expert",
      "description": "Demonstrates mastery of micro-credential design and implementation",
      "criteria": {
        "narrative": "Complete comprehensive training in micro-credential systems including design, implementation, and quality assurance"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## 4. WIA Extensions

### 4.1 Competency Framework Integration

```json
"wia:competencies": [
  {
    "framework": "https://ec.europa.eu/esco",
    "competencyId": "S1.2.3",
    "competencyName": "Digital credential systems",
    "proficiencyLevel": "advanced",
    "levelDefinition": "Can design and implement comprehensive credentialing systems"
  }
]
```

### 4.2 Stackability Metadata

```json
"wia:stacking": {
  "stacksToward": [
    {
      "credentialId": "https://wia.org/certificates/education-technology",
      "credentialName": "Education Technology Professional Certificate",
      "progress": "1 of 5 required micro-credentials",
      "weight": 0.2
    }
  ],
  "prerequisites": [
    {
      "credentialId": "https://wia.org/badges/digital-pedagogy",
      "required": true
    }
  ]
}
```

### 4.3 Evidence Attachments

```json
"wia:evidence": [
  {
    "type": "Portfolio",
    "url": "https://learner.example.com/portfolio/micro-cred-project",
    "description": "Complete micro-credential platform implementation",
    "verificationMethod": "peer-review"
  },
  {
    "type": "Assessment",
    "score": "92/100",
    "assessmentType": "practical-examination",
    "assessor": "https://wia.org/assessors/expert-001"
  }
]
```

### 4.4 Privacy Controls

```json
"wia:privacy": {
  "visibility": "selective",
  "shareableWith": ["employers", "educational-institutions"],
  "exposeEvidence": false,
  "expirationDate": null,
  "allowBackdating": false
}
```

## 5. Metadata Requirements

### 5.1 Required Fields

All WIA micro-credentials MUST include:
- `id`: Unique identifier (UUID recommended)
- `type`: Must include "OpenBadgeCredential"
- `issuer`: Complete issuer profile with verification URL
- `issuanceDate`: ISO 8601 timestamp
- `credentialSubject`: Achievement and recipient information
- `proof`: Cryptographic signature

### 5.2 Recommended Fields

- `expirationDate`: For time-limited credentials
- `refreshService`: For renewable credentials
- `termsOfUse`: Usage restrictions and conditions
- `credentialStatus`: Revocation checking endpoint

## 6. Competency Levels

WIA defines five progressive competency levels:

| Level | Name | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| 1 | Novice | Basic familiarity, requires guidance |
| 2 | Developing | Routine competency, occasional assistance |
| 3 | Proficient | Independent competency in standard contexts |
| 4 | Advanced | Sophisticated competency in complex scenarios |
| 5 | Expert | Innovative competency, creates new knowledge |

## 7. Badge Visual Requirements

### 7.1 Image Specifications

- Format: PNG with transparency OR SVG
- Minimum resolution: 512x512 pixels (PNG)
- Maximum file size: 512 KB
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square) recommended
- Color profile: sRGB

### 7.2 Design Guidelines

- Clear, recognizable iconography
- Organization branding (optional)
- Accessible color contrast (WCAG AA minimum)
- Scalable design that works at small sizes

## 8. Accessibility

All micro-credentials MUST include:
- Alternative text descriptions for badge images
- Plain language criteria explanations
- Multi-modal evidence options
- Screen reader compatible metadata

## 9. Validation

### 9.1 Schema Validation

All credentials MUST validate against:
- Open Badges 3.0 JSON-LD schema
- WIA extension schema
- Required field completeness check

### 9.2 Verification Endpoints

Issuers MUST provide:
- Public verification URL
- Revocation status endpoint
- Issuer public key for signature verification

## 10. Implementation Checklist

- [ ] Credential conforms to Open Badges 3.0
- [ ] All required WIA fields present
- [ ] Competency framework mapping included
- [ ] Evidence attachments linked
- [ ] Privacy controls configured
- [ ] Cryptographic signature valid
- [ ] Badge image meets specifications
- [ ] Accessibility requirements met
- [ ] Verification endpoint functional
- [ ] Schema validation passing

---

© 2025 WIA - MIT License
弘益人間 · Benefit All Humanity