A micro-credential is a short online course that can help you gain skills to deepen your knowledge and professional competency.
In this post, we’ll explain the terms “micro” and “credential” and share some popular learning options at SACAP Global.
What is micro?
Micro is a term that simply means small, but in the case of credentials, it means “short” or “compact”. Many people don’t have the time or the resources to complete an extended qualification in one go. Therefore, a shorter, more “bite-size” option can help make learning more accessible.
A module or programme at a tertiary institution, such as a university, can take an entire semester or a few months to complete and can be costly. However, due to the convenience of online learning, micro-credentials allow us to break modules down into smaller parts.
In other words, more extensive courses, or credentials, can be redesigned into more compact “micro” credentials, which you can complete remotely online. At SACAP Global, our online micro-credentials are equivalent, bite-sized components of modules within accredited qualifications offered at SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology).
What is a credential?
When you complete a course, you demonstrate evidence of a skill set by completing an assessment, which earns you a “credential”.
For example, if you take a micro-credential course at SACAP Global, you will receive a digital certificate and badge as evidence of your demonstrated skills and knowledge. Therefore, you can only be deemed competent once you have shown that you have understood the content and can apply it adequately. When you register for a SACAP Global micro-credential, you will soon understand what this means when answering quizzes, completing assignments, and engaging with your fellow learners.
Characteristics of a micro-credential?
We’ve broken down the term to explain its meaning, but what does all this entail practically? We explain some of the key characteristics of micro-credentials at SACAP Global below:
Compact, portable and digital
Micro-credential courses only require a device and a stable internet connection. You can access all the course content and engage with your peers online. Each course has a preset start and end date and involves 20-80 hours of learning.
Learners do not have to attend any online classes or webinars. Course content is released weekly, allowing you to work through the material and meet weekly targets in your own time. On average, learners will need 10-13 hours a week to complete the course material.
Certified learning experience
Many websites offer online learning to enhance knowledge However, micro-credentials differ because they build competency and promote a “skills-based” learning focus. Therefore, instead of just sharing knowledge, these online courses provide upskilling, enhancing the learner’s professional and personal aspirations. A clear explanation and description of the purpose, key learning outcomes, and content overview ensures verified, practical, transferable knowledge and skills. In other words, as opposed to other on-demand online learning options, you will learn relevant skills aligned with clearly defined and assessed outcomes.
Stackable
These types of courses are “stackable,” meaning they have standalone value if you choose to complete one for interest, but can also contribute to module exemption in a formal qualification. Completing multiple micro-credentials builds a customised learning pathway within your local educational and economic context and a broader global environment.
You can complete multiple micro-credentials that contribute to formal studies at SACAP. In other words, if you apply for a qualification and are accepted, you may be eligible for module exemption via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you complete specific sets of partner micro-credential courses equivalent to a module within that particular qualification.
For example, we typically create two micro-credential courses from one source module in the Bachelor of Applied Social Science degree using SACAP’s equivalency principles. Learners may complete these courses as standalone for upskilling and interest, or if accepted into formal degree studies, they can stack specific partner micro-credential courses and apply for module exemption within the Bachelor of Applied Social Science.
Register for a micro-credential at SACAP Global
In rapidly changing times with ongoing technological disruption, online micro-credentials can add value to your personal and professional life.
At SACAP Global, we offer a variety of micro-credentials that will help you upskill in your chosen career. These credentials form part of SACAP’s approach to applied knowledge and skills. Our courses also align with SACAP’s core discipline of psychology and related subject streams.
These are some of our most popular courses:
- Intro to Human Behaviour
- Building Positive Self-Esteem
- Fundamental Counselling Skills
- Intro to Management and Leadership
- Effective Interpersonal Communication
- The Art of Motivation: Empower Self & Others
- Foundations of Addiction Counselling
For more information about what we offer and the latest promotions, browse our course list.