In December 2022, Radboud University formally entered the national microcredentials pilot. Microcredentials are digital proof of an outcome after a short learning experience. Because they are digital accreditations, they contain more information than a regular paper certificate. Our microcredentials comply with national agreements that have been coordinated with other educational institutions in the Netherlands. This guarantees to the employer that the education received is of a high level and meets European quality standards, and that the learning outcomes have actually been achieved.
Why use microcredentials?
Radboud University offers various forms of education, such as Master’s or post-Master’s degree programmes, PhD programmes, courses, training sessions and masterclasses. But an official diploma is not issued for every type of education programme. Microcredentials exist alongside traditional qualifications. They add a quality label that provides assurance and insight into the learning objectives achieved. This allows professionals to shape their own development path and still reliably demonstrate what knowledge and skills they have gained after completing a particular education programme. Employers and other educational institutions can thus be confident that the recipient of the microcredential has mastered the corresponding knowledge or skills, because the learning outcomes are nationally recorded, traceable and verifiable.
When do you get a microcredential?
Microcredentials are mainly intended for short-term education programmes (less than six months), with the study load per course ranging from 84 to 840 hours. This is comparable to 3 to 30 ECTS credit points per course. Microcredentials are awarded after successful completion of a course recognised for this purpose. A microcredential describes the outcome of the course, which is demonstrated by, for example, an exam, presentation, assessment or report. The digital certificate of a microcredential is called an edubadge. Participants can apply for this certificate themselves by creating an EDU ID. Participants can do so via this website.