What are microcredentials? And are they worth having?

The payoff for microcredentials varies by profession. Drs Producoes via Getty Images by Daniel Douglas, Trinity College As private firms and governments struggle to fill jobs – and with the cost of college too high for many students – employers and elected officials are searching for alternative ways for people to get good jobs without having to earn a traditional college degree. Microcredentials are one such alternative. But just what are microcredentials? And do they lead to better jobs and higher earnings? As a sociologist who has examined the research on microcredentials, the best available answer right now is: It depends on what a person is studying. Defining the term While there is no official definition of a microcredential, there are some broadly accepted components. Like traditional degrees, microcredentials certify peoples’ skills and knowledge, ranging in scope from software skills like Microsoft Excel to broad abilities like project management. Microcredentials typically indicate “competencies” – that is, things people can do. They are represented by digital badges, which are emblems that can be shared online. Just as a diploma verifies a degree-holder’s achievement, badges verify microcredentials. An employer can click on the digital badge to see who awarded it, when it...