Micro-credentials

Micro-credentials are being integrated into education systems as a complement to study programmes, but they do not lead to a degree, they are only an added value to a degree. In whatever form, including the bundling of different skills and competences, micro-credentials cannot lead to a degree at any level of study.

Pending the introduction of the micro-credentials as a publicly valid document, participants who have successfully completed a small volume learning and training course for the micro-credentials will be issued with a certificate containing all the mandatory elements of a micro-credentials as defined by the European Commission. This certificate, which proves the competences, skills or knowledge acquired, is issued in electronic form.

The micro-credentials will create a standardised quality assurance framework for regulated training at national and European level.

They are aimed at anyone who wants to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge or competences, regardless of age. The skills and knowledge required to participate in the small volume learning and training courses will be specified in the respective calls for proposals.

The small volume learning and training courses will vary in length (e.g. from a few days to a few months). The schedule will be specified in the announcement or call for proposals for each micro-credentialing course.

UL has developed its own quality system based on a feedback loop, with clear processes for setting objectives and priorities, planning actions and activities, implementing the outlined activities and monitoring and evaluating the implemented activities and actions, including impact evaluation, which serves as input for the new planning cycle.

The micro-credentials will be internationally transferable, as a standardised quality assurance framework will be developed in the future in the legally regulated education sector at national and European level.

Micro-credentials open the way to innovative learning environments and represent a particular added value compared to established forms of teaching. They are forms of response to the needs of society and thus an effective answer to the specific challenges of development management (European Green Deal and European Digital Agenda).

Tackling general development issues, intergenerational cooperation and managing the future requires citizens with new skills and competences.