Chicago, IL – December 16, 2025 – MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) has partnered with the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) to co-develop three new credentials aligned with MxD’s Curriculum and Pathways Integrating Technology and Learning (CAPITAL) courses. These industry-recognized credentials, now entering a pilot phase, will allow learners to transform their training into nationally portable, employer-driven certifications that demonstrate real-world skills in advanced manufacturing.
These three MxD + SACA Joint Micro-Credentials are aligned directly to MxD’s CAPITAL courses on its Virtual Training Center (VTC) and include:
- Data Annotation- Prepares individuals to collect, organize, label, and validate datasets used in training artificial intelligence and machine learning models, with a focus on manufacturing applications.
- Manufacturing Analytics- Prepares individuals to collect, clean, format, analyze, visualize, and interpret manufacturing data to support decision-making in Industry 4.0 environments.
- Pre-Metaverse Integration Technology- Prepares individuals to plan, implement, and optimize extended reality (XR) technologies—including AR, VR, MR—in manufacturing environments.
“By partnering with SACA, MxD is ensuring that the skills learners build in the Virtual Training Center lead to nationally portable industry-recognized credentials that will help them advance their careers,” said Lizabeth Stuck, VP government affairs and MxD Learn. “These credentials verify that learners can demonstrate job-ready competencies, while providing employers confidence that their workforce is prepared to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing environment.”
These credentials reflect SACA’s mission to expand access to affordable, modular Industry 4.0 certifications, ensuring workers are prepared for success in the digital manufacturing era and employers have access to the skilled talent they need and are:
- Industry-Driven: Developed with direct input from U.S. manufacturers, ensuring alignment with in-demand skills.
- Career-Boosting: Credentials demonstrate technical competencies that go beyond course completion, setting candidates apart in the job market.
- Portable & Stackable: Recognized nationwide, these micro credentials can be added to résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and job applications. They also stack with future credentials, creating a clear pathway for advancement in Industry 4.0 careers.
The pilot will focus on SACA Silver-level certifications, awarded to individuals who successfully pass a written, virtual knowledge assessment.
“SACA is proud to collaborate with collaborate with MxD, whose expertise as the nation’s digital manufacturing institute ensures that credentials are directly aligned with the skills employers need,” said James Wall, Executive Director at SACA. “Together, we are expanding access to industry-driven certifications in emerging technologies — demonstrating how modular, nationally recognized credentials can empower learners and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing workforce.”
Manufacturers interested in participating in this pilot can sign up at: https://vtc.mxdusa.org/
About MxD
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.
CAPITAL is sponsored by Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, PA, and the Defense Logistics Agency, Ft. Belvoir, VA.
About SACA
The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and deploying affordable, modular Industry 4.0 certifications to prepare individuals for success in an advanced manufacturing world while ensuring employers have access to the skilled talent they need.
Media Contact:
Mackie Hill
MxD, Marketing and Communications Manager
312-281-6872
mackie.hill@mxdusa.org
