White paper offers framework for micro-credential assessment

Micro-credentials have become an increasingly popular way to document the acquisition of learning and skills. But they often lack standardized assessment, hampering their ability to be fully integrated into the broader educational system.

Now, two UB researchers have co-authored a white paper that presents a comprehensive process for assessing the value of micro-credentials in higher education.

“Creating Assessments for Micro-Credentials in Higher Education Organization,” co-authored by Sam Abramovich, associate professor in the departments of Learning and Instruction and Information Science, and Anne Reed, director of the university’s Office of Micro-Credentials, presents a detailed framework for micro-credential assessment, outlining innovative methods that address the needs of multiple stakeholders, including students, educators and employers.

They are piloting the framework with UB’s micro-credential programs.

The framework empowers institutions to evaluate micro-credentials from various perspectives, providing insights into their perceived, revealed and normative values. By offering practical approaches to implement these assessments, the white paper supports higher education organizations in optimizing their micro-credential offerings.

“We believe that this white paper provides a much-needed roadmap for higher education institutions seeking to quantify the impact of their micro-credentials,” says Abramovich, who also serves as a faculty fellow with the Office of Micro-Credentials. “As the demand for more personalized and flexible learning pathways increases, we need clear, actionable metrics that capture the true value of these credentials.”

The assessment framework presented in the white paper includes steps to identify key stakeholders; determine which values are most relevant to assess, such as financial, time and academic outcomes; and design adaptable tools that can be applied across institutions. A key component of the white paper is its ability to allow cross-compatibility of assessments between different micro-credentials while respecting each credential’s unique goals.

It offers clear methods for assessing short-term impacts, such as return on investment for stakeholders, and long-term goals, such as overall student success in the workforce.

Micro-credentials, also known as digital badges, provide a more granular way of documenting learning and skills acquisition and have rapidly gained popularity as an alternative or complement to traditional degrees. UB has been a leader in offering micro-credentials that are aligned with workforce needs and adaptable to the fast-changing educational landscape.

Reed emphasizes the importance of robust systems for micro-credential assessment. “As more students and professionals seek out micro-credentials, it’s vital that we develop methods to ensure the quality and effectiveness of these programs,” she says. “The framework we’ve developed is crucial in making micro-credentials a reliable, valued asset for learners and employers alike.”

The white paper also includes examples of how UB already uses this framework to pilot micro-credential assessments. The process consists of gathering feedback from students and employers, and aligning these assessments with institutional goals for education and workforce development.

“We are eager to refine and expand these tools across different programs to understand better what works and what needs adjustment,” Abramovich says.

With the increasing focus on skills-based hiring and personalized learning experiences, the demand for micro-credentials is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, UB administrators say, and higher education institutions must be proactive in understanding the full impact of these programs to attract students and ensure the credentials hold long-term value.

“We believe that as the value of micro-credentials becomes more evident, they will play a key role in the future of higher education,” notes Graham Hammill, vice provost for academic affairs. “This white paper provides a timely and practical approach to ensuring that these credentials are serve the needs of students, educators and employers alike.”

Download the white paper on the Office of Micro-Credentials’ website.