Microcredentials: what are they, why they matter, and how to use them?

Have you ever thought you'd be good at something, but didn't want to commit to going back to school for it? Well, you might not have to. Microcredentials offer a flexible way to build specific skills without enrolling in a full degree program.

So, what exactly are microcredentials? Do you need a microcredential, and why do they matter? Let's break it down.

What are microcredentials?

Microcredentials are short, focused courses from a variety of organizations and institutions, including accredited universities, that help you gain proficiency in a particular subject, job competency, or skill. Once completed, you earn a credential that you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile and prove expertise to future employers.

Microcredentials are typically:

• Faster than a traditional degree
• More affordable
• Focused on in demand job skills

Microcredentials are not intended to replace college. Instead, they focus on boosting specific skills so that you stand out more in the job market. This is important because more and more employers are starting to shift towards hiring employees based on what they can do, rather than where they went to school.¹

Types of microcredentials you can earn

Here are the most common types of microcredentials you can earn:

• Digital badges: Digital badges are the most basic type of microcredential you can earn. These are very short courses that show you have mastered a single skill and are awarded in the form of a visible marker that can be displayed on social media, resumes, or LinkedIn profiles.
• Professional certificates: Professional certificates are awarded after you have completed a series of courses covering a specific skill or subject. These typically require more of a time commitment than a badge.
• Nanodegrees: Nanodegrees focus on the technological and digital skills that are relevant to the current job market.

What topics do microcredentials cover?

Microcredentials are useful for those who are interested in developing a particular skill set, exploring a new field, or trying to hone their knowledge on a specific topic. Thinking about earning a microcredential? You may benefit if you are interested in one of these areas:

• Technology: Coding, IT support, software, app development, computer repair
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Using tools, understanding how it works, automation basics, ethical and responsible use.
• Healthcare: Medical support roles, medical billing, telehealth support, insurance coding
• Business and marketing: Social media, digital marketing, sales, business analytics, sales skills
• Education: Teaching tools, classroom technology, learning support, instructional design
• Data and cybersecurity: Data analysis, information security, tech protection, database management, cybersecurity defense
• Freelancing: Graphic design, copywriting, social media, logo design, podcast editing
• Entrepreneurship: Building your own business, business growth strategies, marketing your business
• Professional development: Leadership skills, public speaking, workplace communication, career readiness

Why microcredentials are worth considering

Whether you're looking to pick up a new skill quickly or sharpen what you already know, there are many benefits to earning a microcredential:

• You learn exactly what you need. Maybe you want to excel at graphic design or coding. Microcredentials allow you to focus on that one skill in a quicker time frame.
• You'll finish quickly. Earning microcredentials can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, rather than years.
• You'll spend less money. Try something new without the large financial risk of a traditional degree.
• You may stand out with employers. Extra skills mean you may gain a competitive edge over other applicants when applying for jobs.
• Your confidence may increase during interviews. Microcredentials allow you to practice skills instead of simply learning about them. This can boost your confidence when interviewing.

How earning a microcredential works

To earn a microcredential, you'll first need to find the right program. You may choose to enroll in a non-degree program at an accredited university or pursue a skill certification with a trusted industry leader. To ensure you choose the right program, make sure you conduct research to find programs that align with your career path. 89.9% of universities offer at least one microcredential, so chances are your school might already have options for you.²

Once enrolled, you will need to demonstrate mastery of the skill or subject through hands-on projects or exams. While some microcredentials may only take a few hours to learn, others may take several weeks or months. Before committing, you should make sure you have the time—especially if you are currently earning a four-year degree or balancing work and family.

How do microcredentials differ from traditional degrees?

Both microcredentials and traditional degrees have numerous benefits, but they do serve different purposes depending on what your career goals are. Microcredentials are not intended to replace college. Instead, they focus on boosting specific skills so that you stand out more in the job market. Here are some of their main differences:

• Time: microcredentials may only take several weeks or months to earn, while you can earn an associates degree in two years or a bachelor's in four.
• Cost: Depending on subject and format, estimated costs range from $100 to over $4,000. A traditional degree will cost over $20,000 a year on average.
• Focus: Degrees can cover a multitude of subjects. Microcredentials allow students to focus on one specific skill or subject.

How to showcase microcredentials professionally

Once you earn a microcredential, you may wonder, "How do I let employers know?" First and foremost, add it to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

For your resume, you may add your microcredential badges or certifications under three places:

1. Education (e.g., Microcredential in Digital Marketing)
2. Skills (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
3. Certifications (e.g., Google Data Analytics Certificate)

For LinkedIn, you will want to add it to your License and Certifications section. And, of course, don't forget to mention your microcredential during interviews.

Potential limitations of microcredentials

Even though more employers are recognizing microcredentials, there are still some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Certain employers still prioritize hiring those with traditional degrees, even if you have excellent microcredentials.
• Not all microcredential programs are created equally. Some universities may have higher quality programs than others.
• If you earn random microcredentials without a strategy in place, you may end up spending money on skills that might not help you with your career goals.

Are microcredentials for you?

If you can think of a few skills you'd like to grow in, then earning a microcredential might be helpful for you. They can give you the flexibility to keep learning the skills you need to grow, stand out, and stay competitive in the current job market. While a college degree can help you gain broad knowledge across multiple areas, microcredentials can help you gain and refine the specific skills you need to stay ready.

Roadtrip Nation and microcredentials

See how other professionals have benefited from earning microcredentials to broaden their career paths. Roadtrip Nation lets you explore career paths, average salaries, predicted job growth, daily work activities, resume checklist items, and hear real-life stories from those who have been exactly where you are. Explore all the different options at www.roadtripnation.com/community/microcredentials.

Ready for what's next? Whether you're looking to make career moves or money moves, we've got tools and resources to help. Head over to the Citizens Student Hub to get started now.

¹ HR.com

² Micro-Credentials in US Higher Education