New brochure on Microcredentials in Erasmus+ showcases good practices across sectors

The National Agency for Education for Europe at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (NA at BIBB) provides information on the fundamentals, potential applications and the development of microcredentials in vocational education and training in its brochure ‘Microcredentials in Erasmus+ – Information, Good Practice, Support’. It is aimed in particular at organisations wishing to engage with microcredentials within Erasmus+ partnerships and collaborations or in the context of transnational mobility.

A common European framework for smaller learning units 

The EU Council Recommendation of June 2022 established a European approach to microcredentials. According to the definition set out in the Recommendation, microcredentials are evidence of learning outcomes achieved by learners as part of a less extensive learning module.

They are based on clearly defined learning outcomes that describe what learners know, understand and are able to apply following a learning process. Assessment is carried out using transparent criteria, for example through examinations, portfolios or observation-based methods. This is complemented by quality assurance and common standards.

Microcredentials can be used, amongst other things, for upskilling and reskilling. Upskilling refers to the expansion and updating of existing skills to meet new requirements within the existing professional field, whilst reskilling refers to the acquisition of new skills for a different professional role or a new field of work.

Good practices from Erasmus+ projects

One of the brochure’s key focuses is on five examples of good practice from Erasmus+. These illustrate different areas of application for small, certifiable learning modules.

The RetRail project, for example, focuses on upskilling and reskilling in the retail sector, offering learning modules ranging from 10 to 60 hours of study time duration. The CREDinGREEN project's training programme, targets the tourism sector and consists of 5 thematic areas and a total of 20 learning units.

The BEM – Beyond Europe with Micro-credentials project developed 52 micro-credentialsfor five key sectors – construction, IT, hospitality, manufacturing and agriculture – based on a common methodological framework. Further examples cover the continuing education of low-skilled adults and skills for the green transition.

Support for practical implementation

Another section of the brochure brings together resources on the development and implementation of microcredentials. These include guidelines on a learning outcomes-based approach, tools for development and documentation, as well as information on standards, recognition, digital credentials, networks and platforms.

The brochure identifies key aspects for high-quality microcredentials, including a thorough needs assessment, clearly defined learning outcomes, quality assurance, common standards and the involvement of relevant stakeholders. Transparent documentation and alignment with European instruments such as Europass or the European Qualifications Framework also play a role in recognition.