A micro-credential recognises a specific skill or piece of learning that is smaller than a full qualification. Done well, it gives learners a reason to start, and employers a clear signal of what someone can do.
What counts as a micro-credential
- It is focused on one skill or competency.
- It has clear, assessed criteria.
- It is issued as a verifiable credential, often a digital badge.
- It can stand alone or stack towards something larger.
Designing one
Start from the outcome. Write one sentence that says what the learner can do after earning it, then decide how you will assess that. Keep the scope to something achievable in days or weeks. Put the criteria in the credential itself, so anyone who opens it can see what it took.
Stacking into pathways
Several related micro-credentials can lead to a larger award. A pathway shows learners where they are and what is next, which keeps them going. It also tells employers that a set of badges adds up to a coherent capability.
