NCLab Badges – CRA (DRAFT)

NCLab Career Readiness Assessment – Tiered Badges

Purpose

To recognize individuals who demonstrate the ability to read and follow instructions, learn new material, apply knowledge to solve problems, and persevere through challenges — key cognitive-behavioral skills that predict success in modern workplaces as well as in workforce training programs.

The badges are earned through completion of the NCLab Career Readiness Assessment, a learn-and-apply, non-questionnaire assessment that measures real workplace aptitude rather than prior knowledge.

Scoring Framework

Level CRA Score Range Readiness Level Meaning
Bronze 65–74 Foundational Readiness Demonstrates basic perseverance, comprehension, and problem-solving potential. May need structured guidance.
Silver 75–84 Career Readiness Demonstrates readiness for most self-paced training programs and entry-level workplace tasks.
Gold 85–94 High Career Readiness Demonstrates strong aptitude for learning, attention to detail, and self-direction in dynamic environments.
Platinum 95–100 Exceptional Readiness Demonstrates top-level aptitude for self-learning, problem-solving, and perseverance — excellent candidate for advanced training or leadership pathways.

(Scores below 65 do not qualify for a badge but learners are invited to re-take the CRA after completing preparatory activities.)

Badge Tiers

Career Readiness – Bronze
Description:

Awarded to individuals who successfully completed the NCLab Career Readiness Assessment and demonstrated foundational ability to read instructions, learn new material, and apply it to solve problems. Bronze earners show emerging readiness for structured workplace learning and hands-on career training.

Criteria:
  • Completed the NCLab CRA.
  • Achieved total score between 65–74.
Skills:
  • Reading comprehension
  • Instruction following
  • Perseverance
  • Foundational problem solving
Alignment:
  • NCLab Learning-By-Doing Methodology
  • U.S. Department of Labor Employability Skills Framework (Cognitive & Self-Management Skills)

Career Readiness – Silver
Description:

Awarded to individuals who achieved a score of 75–84 on the NCLab CRA, demonstrating readiness to succeed in NCLab’s self-paced training programs and most workplace learning environments. Silver earners can follow complex written procedures, stay on task, and complete work accurately.

Criteria:
  • Completed the NCLab CRA.
  • Achieved total score between 75–84.
Skills:
  • Applied learning
  • Problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Task persistence
Alignment:
  • ONET Work Styles: Achievement/Effort, Persistence
  • NCLab Foundational Readiness Standards

Career Readiness – Gold
Description:

Awarded to individuals who achieved a score of 85–94 on the CRA. Gold earners exhibit strong problem-solving ability, high attention to detail, and consistent perseverance — clear indicators of success in self-paced training and technical career pathways.

Criteria:
  • Completed the NCLab CRA.
  • Achieved total score between 85–94.
Skills:
  • Independent learning
  • Logical reasoning
  • Accuracy and precision
  • Self-management
Alignment:
  • NCLab Technical Career Training Pathways (Automation Technician, Data Analyst, Python Developer, CNC Mill Operator)

Career Readiness – Platinum
Description:

Awarded to individuals who achieved a score of 95–100 on the CRA, demonstrating exceptional aptitude for learning, reasoning, and perseverance. Platinum earners consistently excel in self-directed learning and workplace adaptability, representing the highest level of career readiness.

Criteria:
  • Completed the NCLab CRA.
  • Achieved total score between 95–100.
Skills:
  • Advanced reasoning
  • Abstract problem solving
  • Self-discipline and perseverance
  • Learning agility
Alignment:
  • NCLab Advanced Career Readiness Benchmark
  • National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) “Lifelong Learner” Competencies

Evidence (for all tiers)

  • CRA completion record or certificate ID
  • Internal verification via NCLab Learning Management System
  • Optional: Score report attached or linked

Visual Design Notes

  • Outer ring color represents the level (Bronze #CD7F32, Silver #C0C0C0, Gold #FFD700, Platinum #E5E4E2).
  • Center symbol: Stylized torch or upward arrow representing “readiness” and “growth.”
  • Include NCLab logo and short text “Career Readiness Assessment.”
  • Recommended badge dimension: 600×600 px (Credly optimal).

Metadata Summary (for Credly/Badgr Entry)

Issuer
NCLab, Inc.
Badge Title
Career Readiness – Gold
Description
Recognizes strong ability to learn, reason, and persevere as demonstrated by a score of 85–94 on the NCLab Career Readiness Assessment.
Criteria URL
(link to CRA information page)
Evidence URL
(unique score certificate ID)
Skills Tags
learning agility, perseverance, problem solving, attention to detail, self-management
Badge Expiration
None
Alignment
ONET Work Styles; U.S. Employability Skills Framework; NCLab Career Pathways
Type
Achievement
Time Required
2–3 hours (assessment)