Micro credentials – ETF joins the discussion

You will have noticed that micro credentials are an emerging issue. There have already been several blogs on this community, as they rise up the qualifications agenda. Their availability and take-up is growing.

ETF is now getting involved. So far we have mainly observed developments, but are now moving to engage in the issue, so that we can get a grip on the topic, to better advise our partners.

A thing of the moment

Google, Microsoft and the other tech titans are major providers worldwide of these digital credentials. Between them, they award millions of certificates every year. UNESCO and Cedefop are conducting studies, and the European Commission will adopt a Recommendation (a voluntary law) as part of its Skills Agenda to modernise education and training systems in the European Union.

There is not yet an agreed single definition. Indeed, this is an issue where experts, providers and countries will eventually have to find a common understanding of what we mean. But broadly, we are talking about certificates, badges awarded, or credit allocated, for small sets of learning outcomes achieved within a digital credentialing ecosystem. They can be pursued over a shorter period than bigger qualifications and can be aggregated to form a larger credential.

Qualification systems in many countries, including ETF’s 29 partner countries, are still maturing and NQFs are often only partially implemented. While micro credentials may not seem a priority compared to “traditional” qualifications, they are no niche issue, with their rapid uptake worldwide.

They are generally outside the formal side of education, but authorities and global agencies are beginning to realise they need to decide what to do about them.

ETF survey – coming soon

At ETF we need to know more about micro credentials. That is why we are launching a survey. It will tell us the different understandings people have of micro credentials, how much they are used, the status of such credentials, and if and how countries are accommodating them in their systems.

We will consult actors and stakeholders in education and training, from VET, higher education, adult education, agencies in qualifications and quality assurance, schools and colleges, independent experts, industry representatives, trades unions etc.

But we will also publish it on these pages, so you can respond. We will analyse the responses and summarise them in a short report. Then, we will write a fuller position paper in the autumn. We’ll share that paper and our findings at a webinar in the autumn.

A topic that will run

Looking forward, we anticipate that micro credentials will form a priority in ETF’s Work Programmes for the next few years. You’ll be hearing more from us on this topic…..

But the survey is first up - we will publish it shortly and you can join in and comment.