Survey Reveals Employers’ Views on Microcredential Benefits, Concerns (Campus Technology)
These days, the majority of employers are aware of microcredentials and other non-degree credentials, according to a new study from Collegis Education and UPCEA, the association for higher education professionals in online and continuing education. Out of 510 organizational leaders surveyed, 95% reported being at least somewhat familiar with microcredentials, and more than two-thirds (69%) said they were extremely or very familiar with alternative credentials or training.
Most survey respondents associated a number of benefits with the inclusion of microcredentials on a prospective employee’s résumé. Those included: showing an employee’s willingness to develop their skills (cited by 76% of respondents); demonstrating initiative (63%); easily communicating employee competencies and skills (60%); and showing that the employee stays up to date with particular subject areas (56%). In addition, 80% of respondents said that stackable credentials — those that could build toward a full degree — increased the appeal of microcredentials in general.