The term “Micro-Credential” can refer to complete different things or fall into different categories depending on who you ask. The term itself gets thrown around and used in unison with other terms like “Digital Badges”, “Online Certificates”, “Alternative Credentials”, among many others. To some it is just the new thing that we will soon move on from. Regardless, there is a lot of interest and investment poured into Micro-Credentials. In Alberta, Canada, a $5.6 million dollars initiative encompassing micro-credentials was announced in September 2021. The Ontario government previously had announced an even bigger program ($59.5 million dollars over 3 years) that launched a hub, in the form of a online portal for micro-credential and training opportunities, developed new programs, increase public awareness, and introduce the use of virtual passports.
What is a “Micro-credential”?
We can start from defining “Credential.” A credential is a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person’s background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something. Since we are talking about micro-credentials, then there must be macro-credentials. Usually macro-credentials are used to refer to degrees offered in associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees offered by Higher Education Institutions(Universities, College, Community Colleges). These programs are usually long format and require several chain of coursework that culminate in expertise of an area of study. Micro-credentials are usually short courses aimed at obtaining or upscaling skills desired within industries.
Since there are multiple forms of micro-credentials, SkillsForge Academy’s Micro-Credential and Digital Badges Taxonomy can be used to explain what an ecosystem of micro-credentials can look like. Micro-credential are separated into 2 big groups dependent on whether they are obtain prior the completion of an assessment or they do not require an assessment. Below we introduce formal and informal micro-credentials following the structure by SkillsForge.
Formal Micro-Credentials
Knowledge
This is the first level of formal micro-credentials. It is based on the acquisition of introductory level knowledge, either theoretical or practical. The assessment is done by verifying the acquisition of the knowledge.
Skill
Second level of formal micro-credential, based on building a skill. It is assessed through proficiencies developed during training or practice. A portfolio can be started and can be used in the assessment.
Ability
This is the third level of formal micro-credentials. It assess mastery over a skill in a field. Could be seen as the culmination of a project and representation of expert level knowledge
Certification
Fourth and last level of formal micro-credentials. It is the most widely recognized micro-credential. It is the culmination of knowledge, skills, and ability. Acquiring one require the completion of an accredited industry recognized solution, certification, track, specialization, or learning path.
Informal Micro-Credentials
Participation
It is a micro-credential based on engagement. Usually involves attending a presentation, webinar, seminar, etc.
Recognition
Micro-credential given through peer-to-peer recognition or motivation
Why are they important?
For quite some time back, the conversation around education has heavily leaned upon higher education degrees like associate’s, bachelor’s, and the others. These are your macro-credentials as we have mentioned above. However, with the adoption of new educational approaches, we can build ourselves a more robust repertoire of skills. What we want to obtain are better set of credentials overall. Our macro-credentials matter but it needs to be sustained by proper supporting micro-credentials. For example, having a BS in Computer Science is important, however, you can have a strong resume and background if it is supported by multiple micro-credentials like professional certifications. They are important not only because they target specifics skills of your choosing but they could be completed in short periods of time.
To cut the story short, earning a professional certification is the most efficient and effective way to prove your skills in a competitive job market. Professional certifications tell us that the person who has them is ready for a job. These qualifications build credibility, boost your confidence, and help you stand out from other professionals in your field. If you’re a professional looking for a new career, getting certified can help. It can open new opportunities, put you ahead of the competition, and lead to bigger paychecks. It’s not an easy process, but it is worth it. Just make sure you have a balanced portfolio of micro-credentials that can help you acquire the skills for those professional certifications.
Where do I start?
Once you have thought about the industry where you want to develop yourself, start looking for certifications for the jobs you are interested in. There is bound to be professional certifications that can make you shine brighter. With a certification in mind, you can start looking at micro-credentials that can assist you and push you forward in a path to such certification. Look back at the break down for the 4 levels of formal micro-credentials and picture it as a ladder. Each micro-credential will assist in strengthening you for that final professional certification. Once you are ready, you can use our database to search for programs to obtain such micro-credentials. We have compiled programs from all sources, inside City Tech through SkillsForge or outside from sources like Cisco, which we keep updated.
