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.
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. This are you 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 bootcamps. They are important not only because they target specifics skills of your choosing but they could be completed in short periods.
