From shifting student demographics to distance learning and competency-based courses, higher continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.

The emergence of microcredentials as a new form of certification is driven by the skills gap in today’s 21st century workforce. Let’s talk about the purpose of micro-credentials and what they mean for students and higher education institutions alike.

The National Education Association describes micro-credentials as a “competency-based digital form of certification.”

Sometimes referred to as “badges,” microcredentials are hyper-focused and typically comprised of sub-competencies. These skills are outlined within a rubric, along with the specific criteria required of each. It is earned once a student successfully demonstrates each competency.

Micro-credentials typically align with soft skills that are valued by employers. They recognize an individual’s proficiency in areas like oral communication, initiative or even empathy. Once earned, the recipient can add it to their LinkedIn profile and resume as a way to formally recognize their aptitude in that area.

Microcredentials are gain traction because there’s a growing disconnect between what employers want and what candidates have to offer — especially when it comes down to their soft skills.

In Monster’s The Future of Work 2021: Global Hiring Outlook report, employers asked to name the top skills they want in employees cited soft skills such as dependability, teamwork/collaboration, flexibility and problem-solving.

This is where microcredentials can help fill the skills gap.

Most college degree programs are built to train students on the technical skills needed to perform the duties related to their desired profession. Training on the transferable skills that help individuals succeed beyond the most basic job duties is less prevalent.

For example, aspiring data analysts will master technical skills like SQL, Tableau and data mining in a degree program. But employers are also seeking candidates with a demonstrated proficiency in problem-solving, communication and project management. These skills make them more collaborative, productive employees, and are areas in which microcredentials can make an impact.

Because these certifications are built upon competencies, they carry more weight with employers. Anyone can list “communication, critical thinking and empathy” in a paragraph on a resume. But displaying a microcredential serves as concrete evidence that you’ve demonstrated proficiency in that area.

Micro-credentials are a promising solution for students and employers alike, but credentials may eventually need to undergo some sort of standardization process — both to increase its validity, and also to set expectations of students and employers.

With many institutions already adopting the microcredential method in various ways, it seems to be a trend that won’t be fading anytime soon.

It hasn’t been long since micro-credentials first made their entrance in the higher ed world. Though they are still in their infancy, a handful of institutions have already acknowledged their value and incorporated them into their suite of offerings.

For example:

• Colorado State University offers an array of soft-skill badges which include subjects such as teamwork, conflict resolution and stress management.
• George Mason University established a resilience badge, which demonstrates a student’s ability to positively deal with stress, change, uncertainty and adversity.
• California Community Colleges (CCC) now offer “21st Century Skills badges” throughout their campuses, covering skills such as collaboration, digital fluency, entrepreneurial mindset and social/diversity awareness.

These are just a few examples of how forward-thinking institutions have adopted the microcredential method to help provide additional development opportunities for the modern student.

Higher ed continues to evolve to meet the needs of students and the workforce. With the increasing desire for job candidates with stronger soft skills, microcredentials and digital badges stand to benefit graduates and employers alike. We anticipate more schools will join the soft skills movement by incorporating micro-credentials into their program portfolios.

The increasing implementation of microcredentials is just one of many trends emerging in higher education. Learn more about what else is on the horizon in our article, “Reimagining Higher Ed for the 21st Century.”

Curious about how your institution might incorporate microcredentials into your program mix? We’d love to chat about the opportunities! Contact us at info@collegiseducation.com.