Informational tool on the value of micro-credentials

Micro-credentials are short, focused trainings that can be completed online, in person or a hybrid. They offer more choice in what you learn thanlonger qualifications and can cover technical skills or broader topics like time management, problem solving, communication, They are cheaper to acquire than traditional qualifications and many can be completed at your own pace, making them a great alternative for those juggling many jobs or with limited time.

They provide an opportunity to build on existing skills and gain recognisable, verifiable, and market relevant qualifications in a way that suits you. The achievement of a micro-credential may be available in the form of certificates or digital badges that showcase your new skills to employers. Digital badges can also be shared online via social profiles to market your skills.

Micro-credentials are equally relevant for a gig worker, a vocational student, or life-long There are many reasons why you might consider completing a micro-credential, including:

• To gain the marketable skills that help you be more effective in your job – possibly leading to a higher income on platforms or the wider job market.
• To stay relevant in your job and adapt to changes in the industry due to digitalisation and other trends.
• To improve your profile and remain attractive to employers / future clients – possibly leading to more online or offline work.
• To further your career or to transition to another related industry.
• To get your existing skills certified so that you can moreeasily showcase your skills.

Identifying the right micro-credential can be a tricky task. When considering which micro-credential to complete, you should consider:

• The content you want to learn – What are the skills that are needed in your job, or the job that you want to have?
• The reputation of the company or training provider offering the micro-credential.
• Whether or not you will get a certificate or digital credential for completing the course – it is important that you can show others that you have completed the course.
• Whether the micro-credential includes a test for what you have learnt – courses that require you to pass a test demonstrate that you have a certain skill better than those which give certificates to all participants.
• Whether you would like to complete the micro-credential online, in-person, or both – does the provider allow for you to complete the course on your own terms?
• If you have limited internet access, check to see if the course can be downloaded and completed offline if this is something you are looking for.
• The cost of the course – many micro-credentials are free and are high-quality. Before you spend money on a course, you may want to check whether a similar course is being offered more cheaply, or for free.
• Does the micro-credential provider give you good learning support services, such as online help portals, access to online libraries, or career counseling?

Micro-credentials can be offered by your local training institutions like universities, vocational colleges, training institutions or awarding bodies. They can also be offered online by specialist global organisations from around the world. Some examples of online providers can be found at the bottom of this webpage; you may wish to start your search with these providers. When trying to find a micro-credential that is right for you, it is important to:

• Consider what you would like to learn, how much you would be willing to pay to learn it, and what you would like to achieve from completing the micro-credential.
• If your goal is to get a higher income or to get more jobs, talk with your employer or digital labour platform about what skills they need and what skills they might reward.
• Talk with your local education providers to see what short courses they offer and whether any are right for you.

We have explored a range of micro-credentials available around the world, some paid and some free, and spoke to platforms and employers to understand what made a micro-credential valuable. They offered some tips to identify the value of these credentials:

• Free or paid, micro-credentials can be very valuable. What really matters is who issues the micro-credential. Always check: Who is the issuer? What is their reputation in the sector or local job market?
• Asking if you will be awarded a certificate or a digital badge is advisable. These can help you show your skills to the employer and potential customers.
• Employers value a micro-credential that involves assessment. If the micro-credential you take makes you have to take some type of assessment to earn the micro-credential, it’s more valuable.