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HomeAre microcredentials becoming a big deal?
Are microcredentials becoming a big deal?
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Microcredentials are not new. They have been in use in various countries and education and training sectors; they have played a role, among others, in the certification of IT courses or health workers’ professional development. Ireland has awarded them for more than 20 years, in areas such as college education. In more recent years, microcredentials have proliferated across Europe and are now offered at various levels in public and private general and vocational education and training (VET). However, only recently have microcredentials gained EU-wide attention in policy debates. Most countries, as yet, have no official definition. Even the term ‘microcredentials’ is not well-known, with certificates for short learning formats being referred to in various ways, including ‘micro certifications, ‘badges’ , ‘micro/partial/supplementary qualifications’ and ‘module certificates’. Despite the different terms, European countries certify many short learning activities in ways that, either fully or partly, meet the definition proposed by the European Commission. This working definition of microcredentials emerged from a public consultation launched by the Commission, followed in December 2021 by a Proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European approach to microcredentials for lifelong learning and employability. These developments reflect that the character, format and purpose of microcredentials are changing. To support the Commission’s consultation exercise, Cedefop carried out a comprehensive study on microcredentials, which looked at their characteristics, how they are designed, delivered and recognised, why they are in demand, how they are being used, and what their advantages and limitations are. Cedefop’s findings also fed into the working document that accompanied the proposed Council Recommendation. This briefing note outlines the study’s interim results.
- Published:
- Corporate author(s): Cedefop (EU body or agency)
- Themes: Labour market — Free movement of workers , Vocational training
- Subject: adult education , continuing education , continuing vocational training , education , labour market , micro-credential , professional qualifications , recognition of vocational training qualifications , training leave
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| ISSN 1831-2411 | ISBN 978-92-896-3364-2 | DOI 10.2801/017199 | Catalogue number TI-BB-22-005-EN-N |
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| ISSN 1831-2411 | ISBN 978-92-896-3365-9 | DOI 10.2801/14358 | Catalogue number TI-BB-22-005-EN-E |
- Released on EU Publications:
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