The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has released two Insights papers looking at the rationale and early results for introducing micro-credentials into the New Zealand education system three years ago.
Micro-credentials are smaller than a qualification, designed to allow recognition of a discrete set of skills that meet specific learner, employer, industry or iwi needs. They can also be stacked together as part of a programme leading to a qualification.
The first paper, Aotearoa New Zealand’s early micro-credentials journey, illustrates how micro-credentials are benefitting learners and employers, drawing on a series of case studies.
The second, Aotearoa New Zealand’s rationale for micro-credentials, sets out what was hoped for when micro-credentials were introduced, and reflects on the progress in achieving those outcomes.
“Over the three years that micro-credentials have been available, more than 240 have been registered with NZQA, offered by a range of tertiary providers including universities and wānanga,” says NZQA Chief Executive, Dr Grant Klinkum.
“Education providers, employers and communities are finding value in micro-credentials, while learners have the opportunity to upskill or reskill while they work, rather than needing to focus on full time study.”
“For some learners, micro-credentials are the first official recognition of their knowledge since leaving school, offering a pathway to more advanced learning, while allowing people to move into roles which require the certification of their skills,” Dr Klinkum says.
You can read and download the insights papers on our website: