Introduction

Did you know you can get recognized academic credits without ever signing up for a full degree program?
Whether you are a student looking to speed up the education process or a professional looking to link qualifications, microcredentials and professional certificates provide a flexible and cost-effective means of upgrading one’s education.
These programs enable you to acquire relevant skills, earn certificates, and stack credits toward a full degree.
This write-up will discuss how being a holder of microcredentials and professional certificates can help you through your career and academic journey.

What are the professional certificates and the microcredentials?

Professional certificates and microcredentials are short, specialized courses of study designed to equip students with highly sought-after skills.
Unlike traditional degrees, such courses are typically:

1. Shorter: They can be completed in weeks or months.

2. Affordable: It cost a small fraction of the price of a full university degree.

3. Flexible: located online and can be completed in your free time.

4. Stackable: some courses allow you to stack credits towards a degree.

Most credible learning institutions and websites like FutureLearn issue microcredentials that carry academic credits, presenting an excellent alternative to conventional means of learning.

By microcredentials, you can earn additional credits in academics.

1. Universities recognizing microcredentials.

Most universities are in collaboration with some of the online learning institutions offering these microcredentials which will help them convert into academic credits.
FutureLearn is one of the microcredential providers whose opportunities will get recognized by the universities if they opted for credit transfer. Thus, take it in progressive steps towards attaining a full, or partly full, degree without spending years in study before beginning.

2. Bridging swathes of work and study.

Fulltime job and higher education for an employed person seem to make a difficult bridge between the two. Micro-credentials thus come across as a possibility to gain academic credits without abandoning work.
Therefore, the best option for someone switching professions or employed and wants to gain promotion or other higher position consideration would be this option.

3. Boosting employability

Microcredentials are slowly gaining importance among employers. A genuine photocopy of your certificate from a known institution can either be a game changer to your career or a surefire ticket to find a niche market.
For example, a Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) certificate in financial modeling could enhance your resume while gaining academic credits at the same time.

4. Treading towards complete degree

Microcredentials are generally designed to be stackable and thus contribute to a full university degree.
If you are not ready to commit to a complete program, it’s nice to begin with microcredentials to test the waters before investing a lot in an education program.

Best platforms to earn academic credits online

Those wishing to earn online academic credits might consider some of the best platforms:

FutureLearn

1. These micro-credentials are for business, healthcare, and technology, though many offer credit towards university programs.

2. Study from the best institutions of the world while sitting at home.

3. Are you looking for a micro-credential? You can visit the microcredentials section of futurlearn here.

Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)

1. This offers some certificate programs with finance and investment.

2. A few of them have academic credit attached to them, which will facilitate entry into degree programs.

3. Best suited for professionals wanting to grow in a career in finance.

Want to gain credits through a professional certificate in Finance? Visit the CFI website and earn yourself an accredited certificate.

The European University of the Seas (SEA-EU)

1. Thus, students have the major ends in the following.

2. International Experience – Students team up with classmates and professors across a number of European universities.

3. Courses can be selected according to the interests and professional aims of the participants.

4. Recognized ECTS credits: Students can incorporate them into their degree programs.

You are interested to get a european microcredentials ? Click here to visit the catalogue.

To conclude

Today’s education becomes innovative due to micro-credentials and professional certificates that pave way for flexible, cheap and career-based paths of learning. Whether you want academic credits for promotion or want to change a career, such courses help you reach the destination. Ready to move forward? Check out E-newcademy for the best online micro-credentials and professional certificates!