Micro-credentials

What are Micro-credentials?

A micro-credential is a recognized qualification for a short unit of study, ranging from 84 to 840 hours (equivalent to 3 to 30 EC). It shows what knowledge, skills, and experience you have gained and gives a standalone value to a smaller educational unit. A micro-credential adds an extra seal of quality, both within and outside the educational institution where the education was undertaken. Micro-credentials are becoming increasingly important for continuing education in the Netherlands and across Europe.

What are the benefits of a micro-credential?

In some cases, you can stack different micro-credentials to receive exemptions. You can also combine micro-credentials from different educational institutions into an attractive package. Micro-credentials are awarded in the form of a digital certificate, known as an edubadge, which can be showcased, for instance, on LinkedIn, serving as proof of attainment.

When do you receive a Micro-credential?

Micro-credentials can be awarded for specially designed courses or units within an existing programme. You receive the micro-credential upon successful completion of this type of education. It always involves some form of assessment. Once you have successfully completed the requirements for a micro-credential, you will receive an edubadge, which is a digital certificate that verifies your achievement. The edubadge will include information about the level, volume, and learning outcomes. Check out below our current programmes featuring micro-credential qualifications. This offering varies and continues to expand.

Programmes featuring micro-credential qualifications

Watch the video about micro-credentials

National Pilot on Micro-credentials

Along with other higher education institutions and MBO, Utrecht University participates in the national pilot on Micro-credentials. In the current education model, it is not possible to obtain legal recognition, such as a diploma, for educational units smaller than a full programme. Nationally, we are exploring ways to attribute recognizable value to these educational units.

  • What's the difference between a micro-credential and an edubadge?

    Every micro-credential is issued in the form of an edubadge. An edubadge is the digital certificate participants receive upon successful completion of the course. It contains information about the level, volume, and learning outcomes of the completed education. This digital badge is easily storable, shareable, and can serve as ‘proof’, for example, on LinkedIn.

  • Where is an edubadge registered?

    An edubadge is issued via a platform provided by SURF. This national platform allows edubadges to be comparable, exchangeable, and stackable. The knowledge gained is visible in the edubadges backpack, where all edubadges are collected. An edubadge can be shared and verified by employers or institutions.

  • Can I also receive a micro-credential for bachelor's or master's education?

    Currently, in the Netherlands, micro-credentials can only be awarded for continuing education and not to initial students.