'Micro Credential' is a record of a learner's acquired outcomes from a brief learning period, evaluated against clear standards. Globally, countries are gearing up for the rise of micro credentials, crafting regulatory policies. Most national policies agree that micro-credentials are shorter in size and workload compared to regular degrees. Countries are defining how micro-credentials relate to formal degrees and deciding on acceptable providers for recognition. This indicates an upcoming shift where micro-credentials may become formal qualifications, linked to quality assurance and national qualification frameworks.
Categories include short courses/badges, bootcamps, professional certifications, online non-degree certificates and post secondary micro-credentials among others which are usually focused on number of learning hours. Micro-credentials are gaining momentum, with 100 million learners investing over $10 billion annually. They offer shorter, more flexible learning from diverse providers, gaining recognition from learners and employers.
Though defining micro-credential is intricate, extending beyond government-led qualification frameworks. Different stakeholders contribute to varied segmentation. The micro-credential landscape, with thousands of providers offering diverse credentials, reflects evolving landscape in education and employment.
