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So, what are microcredentials? As the name implies, they’re small credentials or certificates represented by digital badges that can be shared on social media, email footers or placed in your digital resume. Dalhousie microcredentials help you highlight to prospective employers the new skills you’re learning and can be immediately used to improve your resume and job prospects. The microcredential program at Dalhousie is new and the number of microcredentials we offer is growing.

Our microcredentials have two main characteristics. First, the skills represented by our microcredentials are highly valued by related industries and employers. To select which skills might become a Dalhousie microcredential, we consult with employers, industry experts, trade groups, and sector councils – so you, the learner, get the greatest return on your learning.

The second feature of Dalhousie microcredentials is that they’re earned through competency-based assessments that have been reviewed and validated by experts and potential employers in the related industries. So, what’s a competency-based assessment? It’s an assessment that requires you to demonstrate the skill that you’re being evaluated on instead of only demonstrating knowledge of a subject by answering exam questions.

For competency-based assessments, knowledge isn’t enough. You must be able to do the task. For example, the competency-based assessment for the Tractor Safety microcredential requires that the earner operate a tractor safely to accomplish several common farming tasks while the microcredential for Python Programming requires the earner to program using Python to accomplish specific goals. This type of assessment proves to potential employers that the earner of the microcredential can successfully perform the skill that the microcredential represents.

Not everyone is able to complete a degree program or a certificate, as life can be unpredictable. Earned microcredentials will provide value regardless of your status within a degree program. Dalhousie microcredentials provide immediate evidence of upskilling, reskilling, and sincere interest in a field and they can help you communicate to potential employers the valuable skills that you have demonstrated during your time at our university.

Want to learn more about the microcredentials we offer? Join us for a free 30-minute webinar on November 16 to learn more.