Operational Guidelines on Planning and Designing Micro-Credentials

Context
In recent years, new forms of recognition of qualifications have challenged the traditional concept of higher education institutions which are commonly bound to credit-bearing curricula. The labour market requires from actual or potential employees a frequent reskilling and upskilling due to an exponential technological change, frequent changes of job, a continuous transformation of industries and a longer working life. Therefore, short courses are essential to achieve key competences and skills. In this context, micro-credentials have emerged as a powerful tool to facilitate more accessible and flexible lifelong learning opportunities, enabling individuals to acquire targeted competencies quickly to face the rapidly evolving landscape of education and employment. Present students, former graduates, individuals aspiring to enhance their professional prospects or boost their income, those requiring skill enhancement or considering a career shift, those aiming to re-enter the workforce, and even those searching for enjoyable, stimulating learning experiences can earn a micro-credential tailored to their requirements. Furthermore, micro-credentials can better respond to the need for more transparency on the educational experience to facilitate recognition, transferability and portability of learning outcomes at different levels.