Micro Credentials are surging in popularity. Should you pursue one?

A micro credential is a certification of assessed skill or competency that is additional, alternate, complementary to, or a component of a formal qualification. These are “bite-sized” certifications and micro credential training is of shorter duration than traditional training programs. Micro courses are flexible and accessible to meet the demands of your busy life too. Each course is short – not accelerated – and is up to six weeks in duration.

There is a trend toward short micro credential courses that focus on specific skills required by employers, and in turn, employers are increasingly recognizing these certifications. So by upskilling with a micro credential, a person can increase employment security and improve their career. Micro-credentials are also an excellent choice to upgrade your skills if you are returning to work after a long career gap.

In the past couple of years, Alberta’s provincial government has been investing millions in the development of micro-credential programs because they recognize the value of these rapid training programs. Micro credentials are emerging as the most efficient way to create a ‘technically skilled, broadly competent, and agile workforce”. As a result, there are more and more micro credential courses available.

However, it should be noted that some Canadian colleges and institutes are still in the early days of the micro credential roll out.

At this time, the target market for micro credentials are people already skilled in their discipline, but who want to upgrade existing qualifications. This can be working adults looking to progress in their education, employees (or potential employees) of specific industries, and students or people in rural or remote communities.

If pursuing a micro credential is your goal, in Calgary look to SAIT Polytechnic or Bow Valley College. SAIT offers short, specialized, stackable courses designed to develop real-world skills quickly. Bow Valley College offers technical/IT related micro credential courses which are accessible short-term programs, and open to everyone.