The Conversation published the following description on the 14th of October 2021:
“In Australia, the term microcredential describes different types of smaller bites of learning offered by universities, TAFEs and private education providers. The term is often used interchangeably with short courses…” [1]
The Australian Government’s Department of Education, Skills and Employment released the National Microcredentials Framework on the 22nd of April 2022. This document gives the following definition:
The framework defines microcredentials 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. [2]
From these sources, we can say that a microcredential is usually a short duration training program that includes assessment. Certification is issued to people who can demonstrate their attainment of the learning outcomes.
Who can provide a microcredential?
Microcredentials are unregulated, which differentiates them from other products delivered by higher education or vocational education and training sectors. [3] There are many providers of microcredentials.
There are ‘regulated providers’ of microcredentials:
- Universities and other higher education providers (regulated by TEQSA)
- Registered training organisations (regulated by ASQA).
There is a myriad of ‘unregulated providers’ of microcredentials:
- Providers of industry training (some are industry associations, others can be affiliated with an industry associations, and others may align their microcredentials to industry standards)
- Providers of community training
- Providers of commercial training.
Also, some ‘regulated providers’ are providing microcredentials that are ‘non-regulated microcredentials’. For example, a registered training organisation can provide a microcredential that is not a skill set, unit or units of competency from a Training Package. This leverages from the brand recognition of the provider and avoids requiring the microcredential to comply with the regulations for operating as a registered training organisation.
The following diagram provides a simplistic view of the range of microcredential providers.
In conclusion
The microcredentials ecosystem is disparate. The National Microcredentials Framework aims to bring some coherence to this ecosystem. [4]
Do you want to learn more about the National Microcredentials Framework? I am presenting a ‘How to implement the National Microcredentials Framework‘ training course. The following topics will be covered during the 2-hours of training:
- National Microcredentials Framework
- Unifying principles of microcredentials
- Volume of learning for microcredentials
- Learning outcomes and assessment methods
- Critical information requirements for microcredentials
- Essential quality assurance processes for microcredentials
- Five steps towards implementing microcredentials.
References
[1] https://theconversation.com/microcredentials-what-are-they-and-will-they-really-revolutionise-education-and-improve-job-prospects-169265 accessed 6 April 2022
[2] https://www.dese.gov.au/higher-education-publications/resources/national-microcredentials-framework (page 3) accessed 6 April 2022
[3] https://www.dese.gov.au/higher-education-publications/resources/national-microcredentials-framework (page 12) accessed 6 April 2022
[4] https://www.dese.gov.au/higher-education-publications/resources/national-microcredentials-framework (page 2) accessed 6 April 2022
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