IEEE Offers Skilled-based Microcredentials – IEEE Spectrum

High-tech industries around the world need skilled technical workers, employees with skill-based knowledge. A recent Deloitte report estimates that the semiconductor industry alone will need more than a million workers worldwide by 2030.

Many of the most essential jobs, while specialized and requiring specific skills, do not necessarily require a four-year degree. As a result, companies are considering different programs to assess workers’ skills for industry readiness. Apprenticeships, professional programs and professional certifications are great ways to fill the talent pipeline, but businesses still need a method to assess whether learners have the required skills. One solution is to use competency-based microcredentials.

What are microcredentials?

Microcredentials can validate specialized skills in high-demand technical areas such as cleanroom safety, manufacturing equipment repair, and data analysis. Learners earn microcredentials by demonstrating their skills through an assessment designed to evaluate them.

Microcredentials are stackable, allowing learners to earn multiple degrees in a single defined field, demonstrating a growing set of skills. They are also digitally verifiable and shareable, allowing employers to see the skills acquired by each learner.

Difference makers

Credentials is an umbrella term for the achievements professionals achieve through educational programs. Non-degree qualifications are often completed over a shorter period of time, cost less and can be used to highlight the skills needed for specialist roles. Some common types of credentials include certifications and micro credentials.

Certifications validate mastery of a specific body of knowledge through a rigorous exam and often require continuing education. They are typically awarded for completing training and passing an assessment test to earn professional credits or satisfy licensing requirements.

Microcredentials may be more accessible because they take less time to obtain and are more affordable. They also have fewer rules governing their definition. Industry recognition, issuer reputation and third-party validation of the program can help ensure their quality.

Who can get microcredentials?

Prospective employees and those currently working in technology fields can use microcredentials to demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge. Microcredentials can help entry-level professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to join fields like electronics, mechanics, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Getting started with IEEE

As companies seek valuable qualifications to alleviate their workforce shortages, IEEE has the credibility and infrastructure to offer reliable verification of skills-based microcredentials that meet industry needs and create new opportunities for those traditionally underrepresented in technical fields.

IEEE has partnered with training providers, conference organizers and industry leaders to validate training programs and deliver verified professional technical qualifications for more than 30 years.

To learn more about IEEE microcredentials and how your organization can offer them, visit the IEEE Certification Program webpage or contact us.