What is a microcredential?
The National Microcredentials Framework defines a microcredential as:
“… a certification of assessed learning or competency, with a minimum volume of learning of one hour and less than an AQF award qualification, that is additional, alternate, complementary to or a component part of an AQF award qualification.”
What does this mean?
Essentially, microcredentials are short courses that take more than one hour to complete, but are less than undertaking a full qualification (ie minimum 600 hours).
In Australia, the National Microcredentials Framework also outlines that a microcredential must meet the following criteria:
Clearly stated learning outcomes
In relation to foundation skills and general capabilities, refer to the descriptions in the Australian Core Skills Framework
Include assessment/s that assess the attainment of learning outcomes.
Have a minimum of one hour of learning and less than that of an AQF award qualification (min 600 hours).
Signify the mastery achieved by completing the microcredential.
Clearly stipulate industry-recognition, where the microcredential is recognised by a professional body, satisfies or aligns to an industry standard or professional development requirement, or constitutes recognition towards an industry or vendor certification.
Where applicable, clearly stipulate credit-recognition, where the microcredential is recognised by an education institution for the provision of specified or unspecified credit or advanced standing.
Provide a statement of assurance of quality.
Why are microcredentials important?
Completion of qualifications can take some time, potentially a number of years. Microcredentials are shorter than this and are smaller bites of learning that address a specific skill that may be needed for the workplace, and different workplaces may need different skills and knowledge. The microcredential model allows people to obtain a range of shorter-form credentials that they can stack together to meet the specific skills required in their workplace, in a timely manner.
The microcredential model allows providers to be more responsive to industry needs than traditional methods of nationally recognised training.
Is a microcredential the same as a digital badge?
In short, no they aren’t the same thing. However, they do often work hand-in-hand. A digital badge is often the method of issuing recognition of the achievement of a microcredential. This is more secure than traditional methods of paper-based certificates that are easily forged.
Digital badging has increased in popularity recently, especially as it can be verified online by following a link to the online issuer of the badge.
How does this relate to the DLL and ECL programs?
Both the DLL and ECL programs are microcredentials as they meet the key characteristics outlined in the National Microcredentials Framework.
Industry is encouraged to look for the digital badge issued by DLL when hiring new staff to know the applicant has been through the program and completed the assessments. The four levels of the program have individual digital badges meaning participants may have between 1 and 4 badges to demonstrate their achievement.
Participants will be able to provide a link to their digital badges to interested parties such as employers, which will allow them to confirm the achievement of the microcredential through our credentialling partner, Learning Vault.