Everyone has a term that grates on them. Mine is ‘micro-credentials’.
I support the principle of this way of learning. Being able to study for a qualification in smaller steps matters.
What bothers me is the word ‘micro’. It may be small compared with a full degree, but if you work full time and care for children or parents, no study feels small. It takes real time and real effort.
That’s why this kind of learning needs to be recognised – it needs to count.
The importance of recognising prior learning
This is where Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) helps. When RPL is linked to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), learners can move between vocational programmes, college and university. They can also move the other way.
RPL is not a shortcut. It’s a fair and careful process that values what a person has already achieved. If you’re new to the country, changing career or don’t have a traditional degree, your accredited learning can be given SCQF credit points and levels. It can then be compared with other learning on the Framework.
The benefits of RPL
My partner has direct experience of this. When he moved to an Open University degree after completing an HNC in Civil Engineering, some of his credits counted towards the degree. This enabled him to finish his degree faster, for less cost, and without missing out on critical learning.
Many learners cannot commit to a multi-year course. Micro-credentials offer flexibility and RPL offers proof that the learning is valid. Together, they help employers to see, trust and develop talent they might otherwise miss.
When we give formal credit for what people already know and can do, we build a more diverse and adaptable workforce. That’s good for learners, good for employers and good for Scotland’s future.
Useful links
You can learn more about RPL at our dedicated RPL Hub.