Challenges of Micro-credentials
Micro-credentials are becoming increasingly necessary to keep up with digital innovations. [1] They empower learners to take charge of their education, enabling a personalized and modular approach to skill development. This learner-centric model fosters a culture of continuous learning, where professionals can stay relevant and competitive in their careers by accumulating relevant micro-credentials throughout their professional journey. The most popular micro-credentials tend to cover marketable skills in high-demand fields like IT support, data analytics, and cybersecurity. However there are some obstacles.
The challenges of micro-credentials according to UNESCO:
- Do micro-credentials complement or replace qualifications?
- Who provides micro-credentials, and can new providers be trusted?
- Quality assurance is needed- how to do it is not straightforward
- Evidence of success is not yet convincing [2]
Too many to choose from
Reskilling. Upskilling. Certificates. Certifications. Badges. Licenses. Microcredentials. Alternative credentials. Digital credentials. By one count, the United States is home to more than one million unique educational credentials, which represents a more than threefold increase since 2018. (Some are offered by nonacademic providers.) [3]
The wide range of credentials available in the marketplace may present upsides for students who don’t need or want a full degree, but who could enhance their job prospects by earning a certificate. On the other hand the complexity of the market is a major challenge to overcome. It can be difficult for students to understand the range of options available and find a quality program that’s likely to give them a return on their investment. [4]
While micro-credentials offer a promising avenue for skill development in a rapidly changing job market, addressing the challenges mentioned, such as clarity on their role in relation to traditional qualifications and ensuring quality and trustworthiness, is crucial for their widespread acceptance and success.
[1] (2020) Micro-credentials and digital badges — what’s the difference? [online]. [cit. 2024–03–06]. From: https://www.guroolearning.com/blog/micro-credentials-and-digital-badges-whats-the-difference
[2] (2023) Microcredentials Confuse Employers, Colleges ad Learners [online]. [cit. 2024–03–06]. From: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/03/03/microcredentials-confuse-employers-colleges-and-learners
[3] (2022) How many unique education credentials exist? More than 1M, according to a new count [online]. [cit. 2024–03–06]. From: https://www.highereddive.com/news/unique-credentials-certificates-over-1-million/638130/
[4] (2022). Towards a common definition of micro-credentials [online]. [cit. 2024–03–06]. From: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381668
