On 20 April 2021, the European Commission opened a public consultation on micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability to hear the views of citizens, governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as of education, training and employment stakeholders.

The recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and the green and digital transitions require people to upskill or reskill, to maintain and acquire the competences. Short learning courses and experiences are developing rapidly across Europe in response to the need for more flexible, learner-centred forms of provision of education and training. The potential role of and the interest in credentials that certify the outcomes of these short learning experiences is thus increasing. Micro-credentials allow for a targeted acquisition of skills and competences, adapted to a fast changing society and labour market, while not replacing traditional qualifications.

However, the value of micro-credentials is not always clear, due to a lack of standards for quality and transparency. The initiative aims at developing a common definition and European standards for quality, transparency, cross-border comparability, recognition and portability, for any awarding body, by building on existing tools, as far as possible.

This consultation will prepare a Commission’s proposal for a Council recommendation on micro-credentials. It consists of an online survey which is open till 13 July.