Skills Lab Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated workers across the globe, and Colorado is no exception. The Skills Lab is designed to accelerate a return to work for those who have been laid off or need to retool for a different career.

The Skills Lab provides the skills and competencies needed in the high-growth industries of data science, e-commerce, IT and cybersecurity, and health and human services. Training in essential office skills is also available.

The Skills Lab is available in two formats:
• Industry-supplied software training
• MSU Denver faculty-led labs

The industry-supplied software has been developed by companies in growing industries. You will take their training on their website. An example is Tableau training in the data science industry area.

Faculty-led labs have been developed by MSU Denver faculty that help you apply the learnings to real-world situations. You will be given access to the lab and will be able to move through it at your own pace online.

No, there is not a charge for the Skills Lab! Anyone can take a lab, you do not need to be an MSU Denver student.

The Skills Lab currently serves the following growing industries: data science, e-commerce, health & human services, and IT & cybersecurity. Additionally, we also offer trainings on essential office skills.

You can register today. All trainings are available online, and you can immediately begin gaining new, marketable, and in-demand skills.

The labs are self-paced and you decide the schedule. You can start and end anytime you’d like.

The company that offers the training may provide you some documentation on what you completed, but you should check with them to confirm.

After completing a lab, including a quiz, you will receive a digital badge that has the competencies you learned embedded in it. You can put the badge on your resume, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or share it with an employer.

The content is organized in five different modules: introduction, learning objectives, content, assessment (quiz), and conclusion. You will complete one before you move on to the other. There are instructions in each module on how to move on to the next module.

Yes! You can download any documents or videos that are provided in a lab.

Yes! The instructor will provide information regarding how to ask questions in their lab information.

After completing the lab, and the quiz with at least 70 percent correct, you will receive a link to the digital badge within 72 hours.

A digital badge is a visual representation of skills and competencies you have gained.

You earn badges each time you complete one of MSU Denver’s Skills Lab. Take the lab you want to build a unique set of credentials.

You will be emailed your badge within 72 hours of completing a Skills Lab, with at least 70 percent correct on the quiz.

You can place or embed the badge on your resume, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or share it with an employer. The skills learned are embedded in the badge.

Anyone can earn digital badges. They are not for academic credit, and do not require you to complete prerequisites or apply to the University.