What is a CPD microcredential?
A CPD microcredential is an online course that will support you in developing sector or industry-relevant skills, knowledge and expertise and will provide you with a certification and/or a number of academic credits depending on the course or provider. Most commonly learners will receive a digital certificate and/or badge which can be attached to a CV or included in a portfolio when applying to future opportunities.
Offered as standalone qualifications by universities, educators and industry bodies, courses are available in a range of subjects from business and computing to teaching. Other areas of growth include design, engineering, photography and project management.
When compared to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, microcredentials are more specific to a particular topic, can be more affordable than a full degree, and can be completed over a shorter time frame.
These courses offer great flexibility as they can be provided completely online or through a hybrid approach, and are a short-term commitment, typically requiring study for up to 12 weeks.
Why work towards a microcredential?
As well as offering excellent flexibility around your range of work commitments, there are other benefits to undertaking these types of courses.
- They highlight your ongoing commitment to your professional development, alongside the completion of your day-to-day work tasks.
- Online courses are refreshed and their content kept up to date, which will ensure you are developing your skills and expertise in line with the latest developments in your sector.
- Learning through these courses will put you ahead of the game by offering insights into new technologies, changes in policies and regulations, as well as trends emerging nationally and internationally, allowing you to adapt your work accordingly.
- Courses are accessible, with access online and allow you to learn at your own pace, so if you are finding you are time-poor in your workplace, these quick modular-style courses are easy to study alongside your range of responsibilities.
- Microcredentials will stand you in better stead to progress onto further study. Whether or not you have identified pursuing further academic study as a short or long-term goal, you will be putting yourself in a strong position by undertaking this type of study. The academic credits associated with some courses will allow you to progress onto other modules, including as part of professional postgraduate qualifications, without the need for additional study.
- Engaging with this type of CPD will also offer potential for higher earnings and career advancement. By updating and increasing your knowledge and skills through gaining new certifications and qualifications, you can confidently position yourself for a promotion and a salary increase.
- Alternatively, it could help to facilitate a career change by enhancing your professional reputation and increasing your credibility to prospective employers. These short courses also offer a valuable opportunity to connect with other professionals and expand your list of industry contacts.
What courses are currently available?
Several providers offer CPD microcredentials, including universities worldwide, as well as industry and professional bodies. We have included some examples below.
UK Higher Education Institutions
Several universities in the UK offer these qualifications as part of their course portfolios. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cranfield University – School of Management
- Nottingham Business School
- The Open University
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Birmingham
- University of Essex
- University of Glasgow
- University of Kent
You can also search individual university websites for CPD opportunities, where they will list individual courses they offer, including any online options, which might include microcredentials.
Global Higher Education Institutions
- Harvard University (America)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (America)
- Stanford University (America)
- Deakin University (Australia)
- Federation University (Australia)
- Queensland University of Technology (Australia)
Many of the examples of providers listed above have been sourced through FutureLearn.
Other providers
You can also search for CPD providers offering microcredentials, and a range of other online learning opportunities, through The CPD Certification Service.
If you are working in a technical role and might benefit from upskilling in areas such as AI, programming, cybersecurity or data science, then the American site, Udacity, offers a range of courses designed in conjunction with industry experts.
Coursera, in collaboration with universities and industry experts, lists a range of courses, aiming to develop your skills, to enhance your employability and/or to gain specific qualifications.
Class Central also offers the opportunity to search for courses based on university, provider, by institution, or by cost.
Identifying the right CPD microcredential for you
Establishing the right course to enrol on will be determined by a number of factors. We would encourage you to ask yourself the following to assist with your decision-making:
- What professional short-term and medium-term goals are you working towards? Have you identified a training need or a skill gap in a particular area?
- Is there a new development in your area of work that you need to get up to speed with, for example, a development in software, or a change in policy?
- Will the cost implication of undertaking a course/qualification fall with you or your employer? What budget has been allocated?
- Whilst microcredentials offer greater flexibility than other higher-level qualifications, there will still be a time commitment – have you factored this into your work pattern or your personal time?
- Is it important to you or your employer that the course is professionally recognised by an industry body? Does it need to be accredited by a specific organisation for your future career development or progression?
- What have previous students from the course discussed in their reviews? What are the advantages or disadvantages of each?
Overall, undertaking a CPD microcredential offers an effective way to remain relevant in your field, whilst showing your commitment to continuous learning and development. So whether you are looking to progress in your current role and sector, or looking to make a career change, accessing microcredentials offers a valuable and flexible opportunity to support your professional growth.
Very interesting and helpful