Microcredentials
There is an abundance of evidence that employers are reevaluating their hiring preferences, from whether to keep degree requirements, focus more on skills-based hiring, to shifting perceptions of higher education overall. The movement towards skills-based hiring and lessening four-year degree requirements indicates an increased willingness to accept alternative credentials rather than a traditional four-year degree.
About microcredentials
There has yet to be determined a universally agreed upon definition of a “microcredential” with experts from higher education institutions, policymakers, and quality assurance bodies still coming to agreement on credentialing terms and standards. Common characteristics of microcredentials include (but are not limited to):
Short, focused learning experiences targeting specific skills or competencies
Non-degree based, though some may be stackable toward larger qualifications
Often delivered online either synchronously or asynchronously, or in hybrid formats
May result in a digital badge, certificate, or other form of recognition
The Millar Institute defines microcredentials (or alternative credentials) as an encompassing category to include digital badges, certificate programs (credit and non-credit), and a wide variety of other non-degree credential types. Microcredentials may be attained from accredited institutions and/or from private industry/organizations such as Google or Amazon.
Why should higher education institutions care about microcredentials?
In a 2021 report from the EdTech Foundation exploring digital credentials in talent acquisition, employers’ growing awareness of microcredentials and skills-based hiring practices are leading many corporations and other organizations to explicitly prioritize the use of certificates, certifications and other microcredentials often as an alternative to relying on degrees.
Dr. Millar’s research proves the acceleration of this trend with a growing acceptance of alternative credentials during the hiring process.
While the higher education sector has made great strides to develop a centralized repository of microcredentials, the actual number of organizations issuing microcredentials is unknown. Organizations that do not participate in Title IV federal student aid programs are not subject to the same reporting and disclosure requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. Non-Title IV institutions are not federally bound to Title IV disclosure rules unless they choose to participate or are compelled by other governing bodies.
The Millar Institute can assist higher education institutions and organizations that wish to develop microcredentials through:
Assessment and analysis of readiness for microcredential development
Strategic frameworks for process, development, evaluation, and integration
Innovative strategies for recruiting new microcredential students
Pedagogical audits of existing microcredentials
Institutional policy recommendations for microcredentials