Mastery FAQ
Pick a topic, climb ranks, beat challenges, and build your Final Mastery Project. Earn XP, coins, prizes and micro-credentials along the way.
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What is a Mastery?
A structured pathway that covers real-world skills in a dedicated topic. (Ex: Game Dev)
Think of a Mastery Topic like ranking up in your favorite game. Start at Rank 1 with the basics, then keep leveling up, unlocking new challenges and skills, until you’re an Expert.
Do the content ➜ pass the rank’s Mastery Challenge ➜ level up and earn a micro-credential.
Why should I care?
- Coins = Prizes: Top XP earners, lucky XP earners, and high challenge scores earn coins every week that can be redeemed for Rewards.
- (NC Only) State Championships: Top Final Mastery Projects qualify for States in North Carolina.
- Micro-credentials: Real skill certificates for resumes, portfolios, and college apps.
What are Mastery Ranks?
Mastery Ranks are your current level in a topic (most topics have ~8–12). Complete the rank’s content to score high on the Mastery Challenge and move up. Each passed Mastery Challenge awards a micro-credential.
What are Mastery Challenges?
Mastery Challenges are like boss battles that prove you’ve learned the skills from your current Rank. You have to pass it to move on, and they get tougher as you go. It’s your chance to show you can actually apply what you’ve learned...like performing a full song instead of just practicing. Each challenge passed earns you a micro-credential.
Tip: The content in each rank are cheat codes for passing the challenges!
Tip: The content in each rank are cheat codes for passing the challenges!
What is all the content for?
The Mastery Rank content shows you the exact skills the Challenge will test. You can attempt a Challenge anytime, but doing the content first is the fastest path to a high score.
How do North Carolina students qualify for States?
State Championships is currently only offered to North Carolina. NC Students submit the topic’s Final Mastery Challenge, VESL scores projects and the top submissions in each Mastery topic qualify for the State Championships.
How do I earn XP, coins & prizes?
Earn XP by exploring The NotWork and completing content. Earn coins every week by being a top Mastery Challenge score, XP leader, lucky XP winner, or weekly contest winner. Spend coins in Rewards.
What are Micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials are short, stackable skill certifications you earn each time you pass a Mastery Challenge. They prove specific skills related to a Mastery Rank, that you can use on your resumes, portfolio or college applications! Learn more here
Are Mastery Topics individual or team?
Mastery Topics are individual. Your work = your score = your coins = your micro-credentials. (You can brainstorm with friends, but submit your own work.)
Do I need to complete all ranks?
Nope! Work at your speed and in the order that makes sense to you. You’ll earn a micro-credential for each Mastery Challenge you pass. Finish the topic and submit your Final Mastery Project.
Can I resubmit?
You can retry Mastery Challenges until you pass. NC ONLY: For Final Projects, you may resubmit during the season to improve your score before the qualifying cutoff (Spring 2026).
When are things due?
There is no real 'due' date. For North Carolina students, submit before the end-of-season cutoff to be considered for States. We’re still giving away weekly rewards, but a bit more flexible!
Where can I learn more?
Ready?
Pick a topic that looks fun, earn coins along the way, and build your Final Mastery Project.