Microcredentials for transformation in higher education and employability

Last March 2023, the International Microcredentials Summit took place in Barcelona, Spain, organized by the UOC, the Knowledge Innovation Centre and DHBW. The event brought together more than 250 key players from the international microcredentialing community to discuss new horizons for education and employment in Europe.

That’s why today we want to talk about what micro-credentials are and what impact they can have on higher education transformation and employability.

What are microcredentials?

Micro-credentials are a type of recognition or certification awarded to an individual for having acquired a specific set of skills or knowledge in a particular area. Unlike traditional academic degrees, microcredentials focus on more specific skills and competencies and are earned through short, focused training programs or courses.

These credentials are generally smaller in scope and duration compared to traditional programs of study. They may be issued by educational institutions, professional organizations, companies or online learning platforms. Upon successful completion of a micro-credential, the individual receives a digital certification or badge that validates their achievement and can be shared on online platforms, such as LinkedIn.

Micro-credentials are highly customizable and can be tailored to individual needs and the changing demands of the job market. They allow students or professionals to acquire specific skills and knowledge that may be relevant to their career or professional development without having to go through longer and more expensive educational programs.

These credentials are also recognized for their modular and cumulative nature, meaning that several micro-credentials can be earned over time and combined to demonstrate a broader set of skills and competencies in a given area. This gives individuals the opportunity to constantly update and improve their knowledge and skills in a more agile and focused manner.

About the event

One of the conclusions of the event was the International Microcredentialing Summit Declaration, which urges European governments, educational institutions, accreditation authorities, student representatives and employers to respond to the challenges of societal transformation and technological disruption with more flexible learning opportunities through microcredentialing.

The summit was a boost for a series of cross-sector initiatives at the European and international level, building synergies and opportunities for further development and deep transnational cooperation through networks and joint micro-credential exchange programms.

If you want to go deeper into the conclusions of the event, you can click here or see the following playlist of videos.