How the European MiCroc’VET project contributes to the recognition of non-formal learning in Europe.
Imagine being able to certify a skill without enrolling in a lengthy training program, but with just a few hours of learning, a clear goal, an assessment, and an officially recognized certificate. That’s the promise of microcredentials: compact certifications that are transforming the way people learn, work, and prove their abilities.
Behind this change is MiCroc’VET, a project that is developing a common approach to micro-credentials for providers of non-formal vocational education and training. It has brought together organizations from different countries to create a common European approach to micro-credentials. The idea is simple but powerful: to help training providers recognize and validate short learning experiences that respond to the real needs of today’s rapidly changing world of work.
At the heart of this effort is a key document entitled “Standards and procedures for the implementation of micro-credentials in non-formal vocational education and training providers”. This is much more than a technical guide: it is a roadmap for those who want to understand and implement micro-credentials in practice. The document explains how to design, assess, and issue these certifications while ensuring quality and transparency in different learning environments, from vocational training centers to companies and volunteer networks.
The motivation behind this is clear: to make skills acquired outside formal education visible. Today, learning takes place everywhere, in an online course, in a workshop, at work or through volunteering, but these experiences often do not appear on a CV. Micro-credentials bridge this gap. They are concise, verifiable, and interoperable across Europe thanks to common tools such as the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Europass Digital Credential.
The spirit of the “Standards and Procedures” is practical and comprehensive. It sets out clear steps for organizations wishing to introduce micro-credentials, from identifying training needs to designing learning outcomes, assessing skills, and issuing digital certificates. Everything follows common European principles to ensure clarity, reliability, and recognition.
For education providers, this means offering more flexible pathways tailored to the real needs of learners. For learners, this means being able to showcase every learning experience and gradually build a recognized professional profile that transcends borders.
With its “Standards and Procedures,” the MiCroc’VET project actively contributes to a new culture of learning that remains open, modular, and accessible. This culture supports individuals at every stage of their professional lives. Ultimately, we should not measure learning in years, but in opportunities.
Link to access the document (The document is only available in English):
