Manage everything COVID and Safety Related with our New COVID Health Check-In Tracking with PikMyKid

The Rise of Micro-Credentials

What are micro-credentials?

Micro-credentials are certifications that prove your mastery of a specific topic. They’re often referred to as micro-certifications, digital badges, nano-degrees, web badges, or mini degrees. You can typically obtain them by completing a course that resembles a college class. Some are available exclusively online, others in the classroom, and some can be obtained either way.

Anyone looking to complete the course will typically be asked to attend/view lectures, complete assignments, create and present a portfolio, pass skills tests, attend conferences and display their knowledge in a work setting. This can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a year, depending on the skill being developed and the intensity of the course.

Micro-credentials can be obtained in several different areas across a multitude of industries. They can range from broad applications such as critical thinking, leadership, managing projects, etc., to specific skill sets like front-end web development, teaching writing in high school classrooms, formative assessment, etc., with thousands more to choose from.

Are they important?

According to Online Schools Center, 95% percent of hiring managers are interested in micro-credentials when making a hiring decision. Many companies are currently looking for potential hires willing to continue their education and add to their skillset. Micro-credentials are becoming increasingly important for individuals who are looking to develop their careers.

Will micro-credentials affect our education system?

Some colleges, including MIT, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan, have already begun offering programs that award micro-credentials. This is an attempt to reach out to students who are interested in career development.

However, there are thousands of individuals who see micro-credentialing as an alternative method of gaining an education. Rather than investing tens of thousands of dollars in a bachelor’s degree, you can spend a fraction of that to learn a specialized skill that will help you gain employment or move up in your field.

Of course, a four-year degree involves a great deal more than gaining a single micro-credential, however as tuition costs rise exponentially, many young adults may consider alternatives to bachelor’s degrees when it comes time to join the workforce.

On Trend

Related Posts

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.