Consider updating this page with new definitions from:
  • Europass (EDC FAQ defines credentials and EDCs)
    • Europass Digital Credentials (EDCs) are digital statements that provide proof of the learning achievement of an individual. They can describe:
      • activities (e.g., classes attended)
      • assessments (e.g., projects)
      • achievements (e.g., skills developed),
      • professional entitlements (e.g., registration as a medical doctor) and
      • qualifications.
        EDCs are typically used to qualify for job positions, university placements and more. They are legally equivalent to paper-based certificates in all Members of the European Education Area.
    • A credential is a documented statement containing claims about a person
  • From the European Skills Agenda communication: “Micro-credentials can be defined as documented statements that acknowledge a person’s learning outcomes, which are related to small volumes of learning and that for the user are made visible in a certificate, badge, or endorsement (issued in a digital or p”
  • The European Approach to Micro-Crednetials definition: “A micro-credential is a proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a short, transparently-assessed learning experience. They are awarded upon the completion of short stand-alone courses (or modules) done on-site or online (or in a blended format).”
  • From MICROBOL: “A micro-credential is a small volume of learning certified by a credential In the EHEA context, it can be offered by higher education institutions or recognised by them, when offered by other providers, using recognition of prior learning (RPL) procedures. A micro-credential is designed to provide the learner with specific knowledge, skills or competences that respond to societal, personal, cultural or labour market needs. Micro-credentials have explicitly defined learning outcomes at a specific QF-EHEA/NQF level, an indication of their associated workload in ECTS credits, assessment methods and criteria, and are subject to quality assurance in line with the ESG.”
    • By the European Commission:
      • Draft: “A micro-credential is a recognised proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has achieved following a short learning experience, according to transparent standards and requirements and upon assessment. The proof is contained in a certified document that lists the name of the holder, the achieved learning outcomes, the assessment method, the awarding body and, where applicable, the qualifications framework level and the credits gained. Micro-credentials are owned by the learner, are shareable, portable and may be combined into larger credentials or qualifications.”
      • Consolidated: “A micro-credential is a proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a short learning experience. These learning outcomes have been assessed against transparent standards.”
    • By EUA: “A micro-credential is a small volume of learning certified by a credential. In the EHEA context, it can be offered by higher education institutions or recognised by them, when offered by other providers, using recognition of prior learning (RPL) procedures. A micro-credential is designed to provide the learner with specific knowledge, skills or competences that respond to societal, personal, cultural or labour market needs. Micro-credentials have explicitly defined learning outcomes at a specific QF-EHEA/NQF level, an indication of their associated workload in ECTS credits, assessment methods and criteria, and are subject to quality assurance in line with the ESG.”
    • By King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok: “Micro-credentials are small, skills-based programs that result in a digital credential
      • That may be credit bearing or non-credit bearing (0-X credits)
      • At many institutions, digital badges are awarded upon completion of a micro-credential
      • Provide opportunity for personalized learning
      • Provide mechanism for learners to gain relevant skills and to easily showcase those skills.
  • Pull definitions from DCU FutureLearn course: