This document summarizes a study investigating employers' and employees' familiarity with and perceptions of micro-credentials in Ireland. The study found that while interest in micro-credentials is high, with over half of employers and a third of employees never having heard of the term before. Both employers and employees expressed interest in learning more about micro-credentials. The document concludes that while understanding of micro-credentials is currently inconsistent, there is potential for micro-credentials to provide recognition of skills obtained outside of formal qualifications if common standards can be established.

1. Micro-credential Musings: Perceptions
of Industry in Ireland
Dr. Elaine Beirne
Dr. Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl
Dr. Mark Brown
Mr. Conchúr Mac Lochlainn
Dublin City University

2. Micro-credentials
Units of assessed learning that are significantly smaller
than traditional forms of accredited learning.

6. “A micro-credential is a certification of assessed
learning that is additional, alternate, complementary to
or a formal component of a formal qualification”
(Oliver, 2019, p. i)

7. 15-31st July 2020
Investigated:
• Familiarity and Understanding
• Levels of Interest
• Perceived benefits
• Factors that would influence adoption

8. Employers
61 Managers,
Directors and CEOs
Over 20 industries

9. …had never heard of the term.
“I am knowledgeable about micro-credentials”
51%

10. 80%
‘never’ or ‘rarely’
come across micro-
credentials on job
applications

14. 69%
‘extremely’ or
‘very’ interested
in learning more.

15. Employees
160 Employees Over 17 industries

16. 37%
…had heard of the term.
“I am knowledgeable about micro-credentials”

17. 39%
of employees
unsure whether
they have
earned a micro-
credential.

21. Taken Together…
Inconsistent levels of maturity in current
understanding
Interest in micro-credentials is high
Micro-credentials for recognition of the here and now
Common requirements exist for both employers and
employees

22. Upcoming: Nic Giolla Mhichíl, M., Brown, M., Beirne, E., Mac Lochlainn, C. &
(2021). A Micro-Credential Roadmap: Currency, Cohesion and Consistency. Dublin
City University

24. Go raibh maith agaibh!
elaine.beirne@dcu.ie
@elaine_beirne