Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Use educational affordances of robotics to create CS-STEM opportunities for all learners

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy  ›  Curriculum  ›  SMART Micro-Certifications (FRC or FTC)

Earn SMART Micro-Certifications through FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) or FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

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Participants of the FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge can earn the SMART Robotics Technician Micro-Certifications by uploading evidence (e.g. photos, videos, diagrams) of various aspects of their robot and passing knowledge assessments (quizzes). The evidence and quiz focus on the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes that were identified during the SMART project.
How much is it?
If Administered By: Cost per Micro-Certification
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy $250
A Certified Coach or Teacher* $200
*To become a Certified Coach or Teacher, you must complete training provided by Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy.
There are 5 SMART Robotics Technician Micro-Certifications available that focus on different foundational competencies. Participants can opt to complete any number of them, based on their roles within their robotics team.
  1. Mechanical Foundations (through FRC and FTC)
  2. Fabrication Foundations (through FRC and FTC)
  3. Electrical Foundations (through FRC and FTC)
  4. Software Foundations (through FRC and FTC)
  5. Robotics Integration (through FRC and FTC)

How do I start earning SMART Robotics Technician Certifications?

Participants can begin earning progress in the Micro-Certifications right away by going through the publicly available courses on the CS-STEM Network. To gain access to the final exam within any course, you will need to pay the access fee through our Digital Store.

For participants without a Certified Coach or Teacher, their evidence will be evaluated directly by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy. These access fees may be paid here.

After purchasing access, you will be added to a special CS2N group that contains the activity:

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View of example Group page upon successful enrollment

Note: You will need to click on the activity to set this as your current (active) course.

Teacher and Coach Certification

For participants with a Certified Coach or Teacher, participant evidence can be evaluated by that Coach or Teacher. Coaches and teachers may be certified by completing the professional development course that aligns with the micro-certification they'd like to offer. 

How can I prepare for them?

Throughout the season of a robotics competition, team members should save all documentation, take photos and/or videos while working on the robot and while the robot is on the challenge area. It is recommended that you have someone who can document this on your team to help with obtaining evidence.

Take a preview of the courses to better understand what pieces of evidence to capture. It is recommended that you have someone who can document this on your team to help with obtaining evidence. 

Professional Development

SMART CERTIFICATION

Learners who earn all micro-certifications are eligible to earn the SMART Certification. The SMART Certification is endorsed by the ARM Institute, Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, and the National Robotics Engineering Center.

Pre-Apprenticeship to Apprenticeship

The SMART Robotics Technician Curriculum is also a registered pre-apprenticeship program in Pennsylvania. This pre-apprenticeship is tied to: New Century Careers’ Robotics Technician Apprenticeship Program

Are you a student and are looking to go through this program?

The pre-apprenticeship program is currently being set up in various locations in Pittsburgh, PA. Please check back for updates or email us at cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu.

Looking to implement this Pre-Apprenticeship program in your organization/school?

If you are an educational institution within Pennsylvania and are interested in implementing this program, contact us at cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu. There may be grant opportunities available.