The discussion on microcredentials in Poland is not about whether this tool is useful and to whom. Conversations among experts in various fields are now focusing on how to ensure the highest quality and credibility of microcredentials, and how to make them accessible to everyone. 

Microcredentials are becoming more and more prevalent in conversations regarding formal and non-formal education, the labour market, and the situation of particular industries. The Educational Research Institute (IBE) gives direction to the process of implementing microcredentials in Poland and ensures that the voices of experts from many backgrounds are included in the strategy that is being developed. On 15 October 2024, a meeting entitled ‘Microcredentials for all – a development strategy’  was held in Warsaw. It was aimed at confirming the current state of knowledge, challenging different viewpoints and discussing microcredentials in general. The gathering was also an opportunity to discuss past activities, share experiences and possible concerns, as well as plan the next steps related to the strategy for the development of microcredentials in Poland.

Focus on competencies and their confirmation

During her speech, the representative of the European Commission, Urszula Romańska, Deputy Head of Unit in the European Commission, noted that the European Union authorities will place an increasing emphasis on the acquisition of competencies and their confirmation. She also stressed that on the eve of the election of the European Commission’s new College of Commissioners, it is clear that microcredentials are an important element in the candidates’ discussions. 

‘Intensive work is underway across the European Union to implement microcredentials. We have a plan to create a so-called Skills Union. We want skills acquired in one country to be usable in any other member state. Microcredentials are necessary for this,’ stressed Ms Romańska.

However, it is not only the pressure of the EU authorities that makes the confirmation of specific employee competencies a necessity. This is also confirmed by those who observe changes in the economy, the labour market and the needs of employers.

‘Entrepreneurs more often no longer require diplomas from job applicants. They need competencies. Microcredentials confirm specific skills, and therefore respond to this need,’ said Ludwik Szakiel, Deputy Director of the Department for Economic Development at the Office of the Marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodeship.

Microcredentials – a revolution in education and the job market

Microcredentials represent a significant change not only from the point of view of entrepreneurs, they are an important tool for employees as well. This is because they allow us to check what someone really knows (especially competencies that are difficult to include in a traditional resume).

‘There is evidence that microcredentials do work and are extremely necessary, especially in confirming soft, social competencies, which are more and more significant in the job market,’ argued Dr Bogdan Księżopolski, Co-founder at CyberSkiller.

In the context of formal and informal education, it was also mentioned that microcredentials might lead to a major breakthrough in both schools and universities. Some experts believe that microcredentials can be introduced at a very early stage of education, in the form of play for younger children. Bożena Ziemniewicz, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Sector Council for Competence – Development Services, mentions this opportunity: 

‘I see the need to implement microcredentials at a very early stage of education, for example in the work of building attitudes, or social competence,’ Ms Ziemniewicz said. 

Microcredentials have the power to change our perception of what education is and what may be achieved during the next stages of formal education.

‘The idea that education is more than just earning a degree is revolutionary in the case of microcredentials. They are flexible and can help you find your own path in education,’ said Dr Maciej Jakubowski, Director of the Educational Research Institute.

However, a school is not only students, but also teachers. Many participants in the discussion stressed that the challenge facing experts engaged in the implementation of microcredentials will be to involve teachers and academics in the process of popularising microcredentials.

Agata Zarzycka of the University of Warsaw’s Development Assistance Office stressed that the topic of microcredentials has become part of the university’s analysis in the context of the possibility of using them as an element to support the university’s educational programs or as part of the Open University project. 

‘I am convinced that microcredential will become the word of the year, and certainly in the context of higher education,’ Ms Zarzycka said.

Microcredentials – an innovative approach to the topic

During the discussion, the experts also shared their concerns about the development of microcredentials in Poland. They emphasised that experts from the Educational Research Institute face specific challenges. The most important is to ensure that microcredentials are of the highest possible quality and reliability. 

‘The topic of microcredentials first surfaced in debates among training companies many years ago. The most important question was: why do we need them? We know that Polish society eagerly accepts digitalisation, mainly because it is convenient. Microcredentials are also convenient. But they are not enough. Microcredentials must, first of all, be reliable,’ noted Bożena Ziemniewicz. 

Michal Nowakowski, leader of the microcredential project, stressed that this is one of the most important issues for all IBE experts. 

‘Transparency of microcredentials, including digital ones, is key – they must be a testimony of what one really knows. This is why we are creating a standard for the creation of microcredentials, placing great emphasis on their quality. We are doing everything we can to create a solution that is effective, credible and adapted to the Polish market,’ noted Michal Nowakowski.

Microcredentials are not a novel concept, as Mr Nowakowski pointed out. Nonetheless, the IBE project is a research endeavour aimed at accurately determining all the requirements necessary for the effective use of microcredentials.

‘What distinguishes our project is that we don’t propose a ready-made system right away, but we work on it, pilot it, test it, study opinions, at the same time build public trust in microcredentials, and only in the next stage, we plan to implement a tested solution,’ said Mr Nowakowski.