Finance
Micro-credentials in Canada: Is it worth it to upskill? – MoneySense
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These digital-first bragging rights are known as micro-credentials, and they’re booming right now. Micro-credentialing has been accelerated by the pandemic-driven demand for online learning, job-seekers’ efforts to upskill or reskill, and educational institutions’ desire to attract more students.
If you’re looking to increase your skill set or stand out from a sea of job candidates, micro-credentials could be a worthwhile investment—plus, you may qualify for financial assistance or tax credits. The trick is to choose a micro-credential program that’s right for you and your goals.
What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential is similar to a certificate or a degree, but more targeted and with less of a time commitment. Essentially, it’s a skills or learning upgrade that is focused on helping workers meet the needs of employers—or, conversely, of helping employers find or train workers with the skills they need. And it’s a recorded achievement: you earn a badge or certificate, or something else to prove you earned each particular credential.
Micro-credential programs are often offered by universities and colleges, but you’ll also find programs from major employers like IBM and Salesforce, specialty providers such as FutureLearn and Coursera, and non-profits. Many other individuals and organizations offer learning and training programs, too: you might see courses available from your favourite finance blogger, or from organizations like Raw Signal Group and The Trauma of Money. Since trustworthiness is a key factor in micro-credentials, institutions that already have that trust baked in are well placed to flourish in this relatively new industry. Whether you choose to go with an accredited educational institution or a startup depends on what you want to learn and why.
What are people most interested in when it comes to micro-credentials? According to Google data from early August 2024, top searches include:
- PMP (project management professional)
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Food handler
- Food safety
- BLS (basic life support)
- CSM (certified scrum master)
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
- Smart Serve certification (responsible liquor training program for Ontario)
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Google certification
And the top-searched topics on eCampusOntario’s Micro-credentials Portal over the past 12 months are:
- Project management
- Accounting
- Data
- Leadership
- Business
- Payroll
- Health
- Marketing
- Mental health
- Finance
- Human resources
- Data science
- Law
- Python
- Construction
- Education
- Writing
- Digital marketing
- Healthcare
- Cybersecurity
According to the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), the two defining features of micro-credentials are a narrow scope and a short completion time. That makes efficiency the primary appeal of micro-credential programs. Degrees take years to complete and often contain requirements that are superfluous for those in mid-career. And, of course, many Canadians simply don’t have the resources to take extended time off to upgrade their skills or go back to school full-time.
Micro-credential programs are appealing in other ways, too. Many are offered online or in a hybrid format, meaning students can complete them on their own schedule. Micro-credentials also tend to be timely and relevant, so that people can acquire competencies they can use immediately. Canada-based programs can be a useful bridge for newcomers trying to localize their international skill sets and experience. Plus, they’re more affordable than traditional in-depth education and skills programs. In essence, they’re mini-programs that offer you what you need, when you need it—and no more.
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Kat Tancock
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