Will micro-certifications replace traditional degrees?Temps de lecture : 3 minutes

Before knowing what micro-certifications are, you need to know what micro-training or micro-learning are. These mini courses offered by e-learning platforms are based on a principle of anti-infobesity. The information is therefore reduced to its strict essentials with classes ranging from a few seconds to a maximum of 5 minutes. At the end of a program, micro-training courses offer the possibility of obtaining a diploma, testifying to the new skills acquired. This is called micro-certifications.

This phenomenon of mini-diplomas has become increasingly widespread in recent years. An evolution so impressive that it threatens the landscape of education and especially traditional diplomas…

Do micro-certifications have the same status as other diplomas? 🎓

Micro-certifications have appeared very recently and do not have a clearly defined name. They are called micro-certificates as well as micro-credits or « digital titles » or even « nano diplomas ». Multiple names that are explained by the complexity of defining this new form of gratification.

Indeed, in the eyes of the European Commission, « small training units » are considered to be « a recognition of the acquisition of skills from digital institutions, companies or public/private organizations ».

Nevertheless, the Organization for Co-operation and Economic Development (OECD) reminds us that micro-qualifications are considered alternative degrees. As a result, they are « not recognized by the competent national authorities« . These micro-diplomas are thus placed in the eyes of the legislation as « formal and autonomous educational qualifications » which can be awarded at any level of training.

Thus, micro-certifications remain easily accessible diplomas, especially in the context of professional retraining. However, they are more or less recognized depending on the fields of activity. In the world of new technologies and computer science, these mini-certifications will be more valuable than in engineering, which requires more in-depth learning.

How are these micro-certifications used? 🤔

While several initiatives are fighting to have the value of micro-certifications recognized vis-à-vis the State, others are taking advantage of them, in particular e-learning platforms. In a context of digital transformation of a company, these micro-diplomas can be used to attract employees to train faster.

Indeed, micro-certification is as beneficial for the learner as for the employer. On the one hand, it encourages employees to acquire new skills to be more efficient in the company.

These micro-certifications given at each end of training, finally appear more like teaching badges, part of a blockchain.

Nevertheless, for the learner, it makes it possible to multiply diplomas more or less recognized on the labor market, putting forward new skills on modern tools.

 Additional rewards 🏆

Although in some cases certification may result in a professional diploma recognized by the State, these qualifications are most often taken to supplement an already existing diploma. Indeed, micro-certifications have many advantages, especially because they allow you to obtain diplomas in all fields over short periods and anywhere over the internet.

Obtained through express and simple training courses, these mini-diplomas make it possible to complete and conduct a technological watch on emerging trends that were created after your education. Therefore, Micro-certification is an element that complements your knowledge, and not a way to question your competence.

The goal is to provide employees with a path that matches their working methods: the duration, the theme or even the format are fully customized.

As soon as you stop learning, you start dying.

Albert Einstein