YAP's Architecture

YAP uses a three-tier credentialing architecture that balances fine-grained evidence with practical verification. At the bottom, atomic credentials capture every verified lesson. The aggregation layer groups atomic credentials into competency credentials that prove targeted skills. The certification layer synthesizes competencies into familiar proficiency certificates aligned with international standards, and these certificates update as learners progress so they reflect current ability rather than a stale snapshot.

Atomic layer, the foundation

Every completed lesson creates an atomic credential that records the lesson ID, timestamp, language and level tag, and normalized performance numbers for speaking, listening, and writing. Atomic credentials are compact cryptographic proofs written to the chain (for example a hash or Merkle leaf) while full artifacts such as audio and AI scores remain encrypted off-chain. These atomics are the immutable substrate for all higher-level evidence.

Aggregation layer, competency credentials

The aggregation layer continuously evaluates a learner’s atomic credentials against rule-based criteria that define competencies, for example average speaking score >= 75 across lessons 1–20 triggers a “Basic Conversational Spanish” competency. Competency credentials reference the underlying atomics with cryptographic proofs, allowing verifiers to validate a claim without exposing raw performance data.

Certification layer, dynamic proficiency

The certification layer maps competency signals to recognized proficiency levels such as CEFR equivalents. Certifications are backed by hundreds or thousands of atomic verifications and update dynamically as new evidence arrives, so a B1 or B2 certificate represents a current state based on recent activity and retention, not a single past exam.

Dual-track learning, richer evidence

Lessons can be integrated (balanced speaking, listening, writing) or skill-specific (speaking-only drills). Integrated lessons produce broad atomic credentials that support balanced competencies, while focused sessions yield specialized atomics that strengthen individual competency ratings. This dual-track approach lets the system create nuanced transcripts that reflect both breadth and depth of practice.

Who uses which layer

Employers can check certification-layer credentials for quick CEFR-style verification. Educators can examine competency-layer credentials for targeted remediation and curriculum planning. Researchers and partners can request atomic-layer access for anonymized analysis under strict privacy controls. Together, these layers let YAP provide both fast, familiar checks and deep, auditable detail.

The image above is subject to change as we develop this framework and architecture.