Tiny but Magnified? The Role of Micro-Credentials in Dynamic Labor Markets

Micro-credentials offer a potentially attractive pathway for developing marketable skills because they give employers a clear indication of an individual’s specific competencies. In the same way that iTunes has given people the option of buying specific songs instead of an entire album, micro-credentials allow people to gain competencies for a specific career path at a low cost, and to earn those competencies as needed instead of earning them as part of an entire degree program.

Nevertheless, little is known about whether micro-credentials can be effectively integrated into education and training systems to improve people’s employment outcomes. On June 29 from 3:00–4:30 p.m., Mathematica’s Center for Improving Research Evidence (CIRE) convened a panel of experts to discuss the rapid growth of micro-credentials as an alternative or enhancement to traditional college degrees, certificates, and certifications.

This event was held at Mathematica’s Washington, DC, office and via live webinar.

• Ann Person, Mathematica

• Nan Maxwell, Mathematica
• Brenda Perea, Colorado Community College System
• David Leaser, IBM
• Roy Swift, WorkCred

• Pam Frugoli, U.S. Department of Labor
• Holly Zanville, Lumina Foundation for Education