Before commissioning, developing, or delivering a micro-credential, check it meets these 10 requirements.
1. Relevance
- Does this micro-credential address a specific, current or emerging industry or professional skill need?
- Is it relevant to the professional development and skills enhancement of the target audience?
- Is this micro-credential based on thorough market research and competitor analysis?
2. Quality
- Does this micro-credential meet the highest educational standards (how can you demonstrate this)?
- Is it recognized by employers as a learning and assessment activity that ensures those who complete it have the knowledge, skills and capabilities it purports to guarantee?
3. Accessibility
- Is this micro-credential easy for individuals to access and complete, considering factors such as cost, delivery mode, and scheduling?
- Is it available on-demand or does it have both varied start dates and of a short duration (days rather than weeks or months)?
4. Flexibility
- Is this micro-credential designed to fit into the busy schedules of working professionals or employees?
- Does it allow learners to progress at their own pace?
5. Credibility
- Does this micro-credential build on the strong reputation and track record of the college, university, Indigenous institute or training provider in this discipline-area?
- Does it carry the necessary accreditation and approvals for the fields of study represented?
6. Outcomes
- Does this micro-credential clearly articulate the specific skills, capabilities and knowledge to be gained upon completion?
- Is the assessment of the knowledge, skills and capabilities legally defensible?
7. Assessment
- Does this micro-credential have robust skills or a competency-based assessment process that accurately measures the achievement of learning outcomes?
- Does this micro-credential provide meaningful feedback to learners?
8. Alignment
- Does this micro-credential align with existing certificates, diplomas or degrees – does successful completion “count” towards a certificate, diploma or degree?
9. Return on Investment
- Does this micro-credential (or suite of micro-credentials) look like it produces a financial return on the costs of design, development, and deployment?
10. Revision Cycle
- Is there a plan to revise the micro-credential based on learner and employer feedback?
- What is this revision cycle, and are resources in place to ensure it can take place?
These ten checkpoints are derived from a comprehensive review of the available literature. See, in particular, the resources at the Micro-credential Observatory.