As the cost of traditional degrees increases, educators are turning to low-cost, short-term microcredentials as an alternative. Not all species of microcredential are equally variable. Nanodegrees, MicroMasters, and certificates usually require several months of coursework in a career-focused area like accounting, project management, artificial…

Purpose: This study examines the perceptions of human resource (HR) professionals regarding the use of micro-credentials in the job market. The research explores the role of micro-credentials as emerging credentials in job requirements, continuing education, soft skills acquisition, job application evaluation (JAE) processes, qualification…

This paper describes current trends and issues in implementing micro-credentials. The COVID-19 epidemic, combined with the increasing cost of higher education; employer concerns about graduate skills and competencies; increasing inequities in access; and student frustrations about lack of job opportunities have all been a catalyst for…

Purpose: This study examined the factors impeding the implementation of micro-credentials and accepting it as a credible source of earning professional qualifications and certifications necessary for pursuing higher education or other career goals. Design/methodology/approach: The factors were identified by reflecting on the recent literature and…

Employers are increasingly selecting and developing employees based on skills rather than qualifications. Governments now have a growing focus on skilling, reskilling and upskilling the workforce through skills-based development rather than qualifications as a way of improving productivity. Both these changes are leading to a much stronger…

This publication is the fourth in a series of practical Cedefop skills anticipation guides for policymakers, analysts, and expert professionals. The three previous guides presented a rich mosaic of conventional and emerging methods for identifying technological change and its impact on skills. They assessed the merits and challenges of using…