Research-Based Credentials
The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy has studied how robots can be used to teach Computer Science, Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics in K-12 education, as well as the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes required by industry for over 20 years. Our certifications and microcertifications cover a wide variety of topics and each represents an individual's grasp on key areas identified through our research.
Certifications and microcertifications are not comprised of a knowledge exam alone. As learners progress through our courses, they earn badges and upload computational artifacts (evidence such as coding solutions, pseudocode, photos of robot builds, wiring diagrams, etc.) that reflect their understanding.
| At the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, we leverage a "train the trainer" model to enable our curriculum, certifications, and microcertifications to make a large impact while helping to guarantee that implementations are positive and effective for learners. Educators who have been trained and certified by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy are able to offer certification opportunities for their students. Internationally, we also collaborate closely with Educational Partners to train and certify their Master Trainers so that they can offer high-quality programs in their regions. |
Below are our featured certifications and microcertifications, which are delivered through the CS-STEM Network (CS2N). Each certification and microcertification is available at an educator level, made available through our professional development, and at a learner level, made available to certified instructors. Educator-level certifications are widely accepted as continuing education credits.
Featured Mobile Robotics Certifications
The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy leverages best-in-class robotics platforms to help educators and students reach meaningful learning gains in computational thinking, mathematics, coding, and the engineering process. Certifications are available for educators and students who leverage these robotics platforms in their learning environments.
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Applied AI and Robotics with NVIDIA Jetson Nano |
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Coding and Computational Thinking with LEGO SPIKE Prime |
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Coding and Computational Thinking with VEX V5 |
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Coding and Computational Thinking with VEX IQ More Information |
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Fundamentals of Coding with SPIKE Essential More Information |
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy certifications provide K-12 students with recognized evidence of their skills and competencies in robotics, helping them stand out in academic and career opportunities by demonstrating their ability to understand big ideas in robotics.
Featured Robotics Technician Microcertifications
The SMART Robotics Technician curriculum originated as a set of five courses developed through a research project funded by the , known as the Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Robotics Training (SMART) Project. This comprehensive program focuses on the essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) required for Robotics Technicians—skilled professionals who build, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic systems across various industries. We have continuously expanded and refined these courses with additional support from the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research.
SMART Robotics Technician courses are endorsed by the , demonstrating their alignment with industry standards and workforce needs.
The credentials formally qualify as a and are approved by the .
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy maintains articulation agreements for SMART graduates to continue their education through community colleges including the y and Westmoreland County Community College, as well as a full apprenticeship available through .
Earn SMART Microcertifications through Robotics Competitions
Participants of the FIRST Robotics Competition and VEX Robotics Competition learn an incredible amount from these experiences, but many potential schools and employers are unaware of the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes that are fostered. Participants who have gone through at least one competition season can now provide evidence of their experience to earn SMART Robotics Technician Micro-Certifications from the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, and more clearly showcase their abilities.
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Earn SMART Micro-Certifications through FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) | More Information |
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Earn SMART Micro-Certifications through VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) | More Information |
Earn Credentials through Partner Programs
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy partners with organizations to identify research-based big ideas in CS-STEM, allowing the partner organizations to help their participants reach critical learning outcomes. Participants of the partner programs can earn a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy microcertification or certification that reflects their knowledge and experience.
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Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute Partner: |
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Legacy Robotics Certifications
The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy leverages best-in-class robotics platforms to help educators and students reach meaningful learning gains in computational thinking, mathematics, coding, and the engineering process. Certifications are available for educators and students who leverage these robotics platforms in their learning environments.
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VEX EDR Cortex Video Trainer More Information |
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Introduction to Programming: VEX IQ (ROBOTC Graphical) More Information |
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Introduction to Programming: VEX IQ (VEXcode Blocks) |
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Introduction to Programming: LEGO EV3 (EV3 Classroom) More Information |