Playbook | March 20, 2023
Incremental Credentialing Framework
Playbook Sections
Access the PDFAdditional Resources
Learn & Work Ecosystem Library Credential As You Go DictionaryIncremental Credentialing Framework Approaches
Retro Award As You Go
Strategies
- Create credentials of different lengths than traditional degrees.
- Develop field-specific credentials that capture learning acquired in smaller increments.
- Develop credentials that capture common learning across disciplines.
- Create credentials that capture what a learner has already acquired through coursework or other prior learning.
Examples
- Create credentials in high attrition areas (e.g., credential STEM courses completed successfully, credential social science and humanity courses).
- Create a general education credential (e.g., a microcredential in general education).
- Create equivalent credentials (e.g., a two-year credential at a four-year institution equivalent to an associate degree).
- Create smaller credentials designed at specific exit points that still stack into larger credentials.
- Create a self-designed credential that captures learning already acquired (e.g., degree audit against criteria set for credentials).
- Create credentials for specific prior learning areas (e.g., evaluate workplace training and create a credential for that training).
- Form a partnership between employers and credentialing organizations that allows experienced workers to receive credit for existing credentials (e.g., employer-recognized credentialing systems in Singapore).
Things to Consider
- Develop criteria for different types of credentials, including non-credit and non-degree credentials.
- Examine patterns of attrition based on studies completed, and develop academic and workplace credentials to capture learning that is typically acquired at different points along the pathway.
- Design a general education credential that can be used to capture learning already acquired.
- Use degree audits to capture learning already acquired to meet new credentials.
Why Use This Strategy
- Can help learners earn credentials for what they already know and can do.
- Provides pathways toward degree completion and/or workplace advancement.
- Links general education studies with many different fields and industries.
- Formally recognizes prior learning.