Should You Get a Microcredential Instead of a Degree to Get Hired?

Is a Microcredential the Fast-Track Career Boost You’ve Been Searching For?

The world of work is changing. The idea that a single four-year degree is the only path to a successful career is becoming a thing of the past. Today, employers need people with very specific, up-to-date skills. This has created a gap between the jobs available and the skills people have. A new, flexible, and focused form of education is helping to fill that gap: the microcredential.

This approach to learning is not just a passing trend. It is a direct response to major shifts in the global economy and is quickly becoming a trusted way for people to advance their careers and for companies to build a stronger workforce.

What Is a Microcredential?

Think of a microcredential as a small, concentrated package of learning. It is a short-term educational program that focuses on teaching a specific, in-demand skill or a set of related skills. Unlike a traditional degree that covers a broad range of subjects over several years, a microcredential gets straight to the point.

These programs are designed for speed and impact.

• Focused Learning: They center on a single area of expertise, such as data analytics, digital marketing, or cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Short Duration: Most microcredential programs can be completed in less than a year of full-time study, with many requiring between 8 and 12 educational credits.
• Flexible Format: They are often offered online, making them accessible to working professionals who need to balance learning with their job and family responsibilities.

Because they are so targeted, microcredentials offer a practical way for individuals to gain marketable skills quickly. This is especially valuable as fewer people choose the traditional four-year college path, seeking faster entry into the workforce.

The Growing Trust in Bite-Sized Education

For a long time, the bachelor’s degree was the gold standard in hiring. That mindset is shifting. A recent survey showed that over 70% of business leaders are now more willing to accept microcredentials as a valid qualification when hiring, even in place of a traditional degree.

Why the change? Employers are realizing that a degree from four or even ten years ago may not guarantee a candidate has the modern skills needed for today’s jobs. Technology moves too fast. In contrast, a person who has just completed a microcredential in a high-tech field has proven, current knowledge.

This trust is being solidified by the formal education system itself. Nearly 60 state-led initiatives are in motion across the country to expand microcredential programs at public colleges and universities. This integration shows that these programs are not just a fringe movement; they are becoming a core part of the American educational landscape, offering a reliable and vetted path to career advancement.

A Solution for the Modern Workforce

Beyond just helping new people enter the job market, microcredentials have become a vital tool for investing in the current workforce. The pace of change means that skills can become outdated quickly. It is estimated that by 2030, more than one billion people worldwide will need to be reskilled to keep up with the demands of their jobs.

Companies can no longer expect to simply hire new people for every new skill they need. It is more efficient and effective to “upskill” existing employees. Microcredentials provide a structured and cost-effective way to do this. A company can sponsor an employee to take a course in project management or artificial intelligence, directly filling a skills gap within the organization and investing in a loyal team member.

Tackling Critical Worker Shortages

Some of the nation’s most important industries are facing severe talent shortages. The demand for skilled workers far outpaces the available supply. Microcredentials are being used as a key part of the solution to address these shortages head-on.

Healthcare

The need for healthcare workers is immense. In North Dakota, for example, it is projected that the state will only be able to fill 84% of its nursing demand by 2030. Microcredentials can rapidly train individuals for essential support roles, such as certified nursing assistants or medical coders, freeing up registered nurses to focus on more complex patient care.

Education

The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of teachers, with nearly 42,000 teaching positions currently unfilled. Microcredentials can help by allowing existing teachers to quickly add endorsements in high-demand areas like special education or math. They also provide an accelerated path for professionals in other fields to transition into teaching.

Information Technology (IT)

The IT sector, and particularly cybersecurity, has a massive talent gap. There are currently more than half a million unfilled cybersecurity positions in the United States. The nature of online threats is constantly evolving, so the need for continuous learning is non-negotiable. A four-year degree completed several years ago may not cover the latest security challenges.

This is why specialized training programs like cybersecurity bootcamps and AI bootcamps have seen a surge in popularity. These intensive courses are a form of microcredential, designed to equip people with job-ready skills in a matter of months, not years. This has also led to the growth of training-as-a-service platforms, such as RangeForce, which provide companies with on-demand access to virtual training labs to keep their IT teams’ skills sharp.

How to Choose the Right Microcredential for You

With so many options available, it is important to approach choosing a microcredential with a clear plan. If you are considering this path, here are a few steps to guide you:

1. Define Your Goal: First, ask yourself what you want to achieve. Are you looking to change careers entirely? Are you hoping for a promotion in your current role? Or do you just want to add a new skill to your resume? Your answer will help you narrow your search.
2. Research In-Demand Skills: Look at job descriptions for the roles you are interested in. What skills, software, and qualifications are employers consistently asking for? This will tell you which microcredentials will provide the most value in the job market.
3. Verify the Provider: Not all credentials are created equal. Investigate the institution offering the program. Is it an accredited university, a well-known industry association, or a reputable technology company? Look for reviews, testimonials, and data on where past students have been hired.
4. Understand the Commitment: Be realistic about the time and effort required. Even a short program demands dedication. Make sure the schedule fits your life and that you are prepared to do the work to succeed.

In a world that values tangible skills more than ever, microcredentials offer a direct and powerful way to take control of your career path. They represent a shift toward lifelong learning, where education is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of growth and adaptation.