Level 1:
The first digital badge focuses on the foundational knowledge required to harvest sap, produce a commercial-grade maple product, and bring it to market. Learners can prepare for the digital badge by participating in an instructor-led virtual or in-person class (ex. Maple Sugaring 101) or self-study. All learning materials are available on the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage.

To earn this badge, learners must pass an online assessment with a score of 80% or higher. The assessment is open book and may be attempted multiple times. Before taking the assessment, learners must complete an integrity and user agreement and correctly answer a small number of questions related to 4-H values. The Level 1 digital badge will be free to eligible participants in 2026.

Level 2:
The second digital badge is primarily performance based, requiring learners to demonstrate what they know and can do to harvest sap, produce a commercial grade maple product, and bring it to market. There is currently no time limit for completing this digital badge. Participant progress is measured using a rubric completed by approved instructors.

This rubric serves as both an instructional tool and an assessment for the Level 2 Digital Badge. As an instructional tool, it communicates expectations for foundational skill and knowledge development in commercial maple sugar production. As both a formative and summative assessment, the rubric measures learner progress toward meeting the established criteria and learning objectives with the assistance of an instructor.

Level 3:
The third digital badge is primarily performance based, with content that is very similar to the Level 2 Digital Badge. Participant progress is measured using a rubric completed by approved instructors at an educational facility. The rubric and performance assessment measure learners’ ability to meet the criteria and learning objectives independently, without instructor assistance.