The document discusses the Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability. It outlines that micro-credentials are a growing trend globally and in Europe to help people update their skills and knowledge. However, there is a lack of clarity and consistency regarding micro-credentials. The Council Recommendation establishes a common European approach and definition for micro-credentials. It provides standard elements for describing micro-credentials and principles for their design and issuance. It also identifies priorities for implementation, including developing ecosystems and recognition of micro-credentials between countries and sectors. The European Commission will support these efforts through various activities.

1. Implementing the ‘European approach to Micro-credentials
for lifelong learning and employability’
Presentation
Microcredentials in Context | Webinar Week, 29 November 2022

2. • Growing number of people need to update their
knowledge, skills and competences (green and digital
transitions, COVID-19 recovery)
• Rising number of micro-credentials globally and in
Europe, but:
value and understanding of micro-credentials not always clear
wide range of providers (education and training, private sector)
questions on quality, transparency and uptake of micro-
credentials between and within countries, between sectors, from
one job to another
Policy context

3. Scope
• Micro-credentials are not new. The CR establishes a common European
approach to the ongoing and emerging provision of micro-credentials
• The CR covers micro-credentials, as well as their policies that can support
their effective design and use.
• The CR does not seek to replace or disrupt existing systems or
qualifications.

4. Council Recommendation on a European
approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning
and employability
Common Definition of
micro-credentials
Standard Elements
Principles for the design
and Issuance of micro-
credentials
Development of
ecosystems for micro-
credentials
Deliver on the potential of
micro-credentials
Commission Support
Education, training and
skills policies
Active Labour Market
Policies
‘Building Blocks’ Key areas for action Focus

5. ‘Micro-credential’ means the record of the
learning outcomes that a learner has
acquired following a small volume of
learning. These learning outcomes have
been assessed against transparent and
clearly defined criteria. Learning experiences
leading to micro-credentials are designed to
provide the learner with specific knowledge,
skills and competences that respond to
societal, personal, cultural or labour market
needs. Micro-credentials are owned by the
learner, can be shared and are portable.
They may be stand-alone or combined into
larger credentials. They are underpinned
by quality assurance following agreed
standards in the relevant sector or area of
activity.
Record
Learning Outcomes
Small volume of learning
Assessed
Owned by the learner
Shared and portable
Combined into larger credentials
Underpinned by quality assurance
Common definition for micro-credentials

6. Standard Elements to describe a micro-credential
Identification of the learner
Title of the micro-credential
Country/region of the issuer
Awarding body
Date of issuing
Learning outcomes
Notional workload needed to achieve the learning outcomes (in ECTS, wherever possible)
Level (and cycle, if applicable) of the learning experience leading to the micro-credential (EQF, QF EHEA), if applicable
Type of assessment
Form of participation in the learning activity
Type of quality assurance used to underpin the micro-credential

7. 1. Quality
2. Transparency
3. Relevance
4. Valid assessment
5. Learning Pathways
6. Recognition
7. Portable
8. Learner Centred
9. Authentic
10. Information and Guidance
Principles for design and issuance
of micro-credentials

8. Ongoing use and exploration of micro-
credentials
Development of
guidance; sharing
best practice
HE, VET, labour
market partners
Analysis of skills
demands; design of
curricula & training;
pilots.
Digitalisation,
credentials, Open
Badges,
repositories/catalog
ues.

9. Priorities for implementation
 Education, training, skills and
labour market stakeholders at EU
national level
 Active projects on micro-
credentials
 Other international organisations
Awareness and
Outreach

10. Priorities for implementation
 Adopt and promote use of the
‘building blocks’
 Facilitate ongoing and
emerging development of
micro-credentials
 Deliver on the potential of
micro-credentials
Areas for Action

11. Ongoing Activities
 Cedefop study
 Collaboration with OECD,
evidence gathering and support
for implementation
 Development of European
Open Standard for micro-
credentials
 ETF Call for micro-credentials
for Ukrainian learners

12. Thank you