Evaluating Microcredential Efficacy: How to Choose the One(s)

To remain competitive in today’s ever-changing job market, many workers seek to expand their skills to meet their current and future career goals. At the same time, more employers are shifting to a skills-based hiring approach that moves beyond traditional degree requirements.

Microcredentials—specialized, non-degree certificates—are gaining popularity as a powerful way to bridge this gap, offering both job seekers and employers a more flexible and targeted approach to skill development. Microcredentials:

• Are available on demand
• Can fit into most schedules
• Cost less than traditional degree courses,
• Offer the skill-based training that learners seek to upskill or transition their careers.

Finding the Right Microcredential Program That Suits Your Learning Needs

With the increased availability of microcredentialing programs, how do you know which ones are worthwhile? Let’s break down how you can make these important decisions.

Set a Goal

Begin with your goals. What are you hoping to accomplish? Career advancement in your current field, or transitioning into something new? Are you looking to increase your salary, find a better work/home balance, or are you looking for more challenges and fulfillment during your working hours? Having a clear goal will help you narrow down your best path forward. Plus, it will help to keep you motivated during any challenging parts of your journey.

Identify the Skills

Once you’ve narrowed in on your goal, determine what skills are needed in the field or role you are targeting. Some positions have specific skill or certification requirements, which should be fairly easy to identify. Look at some job postings for your ideal job. Make a list of the specific skills or certifications that are needed, and cross out any that you already have and can competently demonstrate. The items that remain are your personal skill gaps, and those are what you should focus on improving first. If you notice that “Proficient in Excel” appears in most job descriptions, you might start with a course in Excel functions and formulas.

Don’t be alarmed if your list of skills feels long or overwhelming! Through the magic of microcredentialing, you’ll be able to get through the list fairly quickly. And if you feel discouraged or unmotivated at any point, revisit your goals from the beginning of your journey and remind yourself why it’s important to keep moving forward.

How Will You Learn Best?

Next, think about your learning style and preferences. How do you want to learn, and what options are available to you? Do you need the support of an instructor through an in-person experience to keep you engaged and accountable? Do you need the flexibility of asynchronous online learning? Would a blend of the two benefit your learning style as well as your availability? Make decisions that ensure that your learning experiences are positive and successful.

Evaluate the Credibility of the Provider

Now comes the harder part—not all microcredentials are created equal, and the credibility of a provider can significantly impact the value of the credential. Look for programs offered by reputable institutions or industry-recognized organizations.

Research the organizations, but look for data! Don’t solely rely on anecdotal reviews in online forums. Look for sources that offer data-driven studies, independent governing bodies, accreditation, or proof of successful course outcomes (including interviews or job placements).

Interview an expert or hiring manager in the field you’re looking to enter. Ask if they’ve heard of the organization you’re considering obtaining the credential from, and if they would value that credential. If not, see if they have recommendations that can help guide your selection. (Remember, that’s just one person’s opinion, but it could provide you with more options to explore.)

Evaluate the Course Content and Structure

Any well-designed learning module should clearly state what you can expect to learn from the course and how you will demonstrate that learning. Read through the course outline, summary, or any available material to ensure that it teaches the skill you are looking to obtain. Ideally, it will include:

• Practical, hands-on learning experiences
• Real-world case studies, projects, or applications of the learning
• Comprehensive assessments

Look for a combination of theory and application so that you’re learning and then immediately applying that learning. (Immediate application and “just-in-time learning” are among the reasons why microlearning is so impactful.)

Check the Flexibility and Support Offered

Consider your personal situation and determine what you need in a microcredential program. Does the program offer self-paced learning options, or will you be tied to deadlines and due dates? Is there support from instructors or mentors? Will you have access to resources or community forums? A well-structured course should provide adequate support to ensure you can balance learning with your other commitments effectively. (Bonus points if it offers a learning framework that ties the credential into other pathways, courses, or skills.)

Assess the ROI

Consider the cost of the program relative to your budget. Will that credential bring you closer to your goal of career advancement or transition? Is the credential recognized or valued in your industry? If so, then it will probably be a worthwhile investment of your valuable time and money.

And at the risk of relying on a tired adage, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of false promises, and ensure that the company offering the microcredential can support its claims with evidence.

Finding the One

Ultimately, whether or not a microcredential is the “right” one will depend on how close it gets you to your goals. That will require a careful introspective evaluation of your career goals, the industry requirements, and the quality of the program. Keep your goal in mind, and seek out microcredentials that will bring you step-by-step closer to that goal.

Microcredentials can open doors to new opportunities and help you stay competitive in your field. So don’t wait any longer—follow these steps, and get started on your journey today!