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Alternative Credentialing: Current Perspectives
by: Madhav Patel
Alternative credentialing can be thought of as non-conventional educational pathways (i.e. micro-credentials, digital badges, industry recognized certificates) provided by organizations (i.e. academic institutions, corporations) that provide an avenue for individuals to attain and enhance targeted skills for employment in various industries.1 In an article published in the e-library of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the authors comment on likely explanations for the recent dramatic rise in alternative credentialing.1 As employers seek a workforce adaptable to an increased need for “upskilling” and “reskilling”, focused alternative credentialing programs provide candidates a way to enhance their application through earning of specialized education certificates.1 Furthermore, traditional college degrees may incur major financial burdens and lack focused attention and/or granularity pertaining to ability for skills desired by employers.2 Alternative programs may thus provide a gateway for individuals to bridge conceptual knowledge gained through higher education with practical knowledge required for employment.1 Moreover, as industries rapidly evolve and shift towards online platforms (especially with the introduction of COVID-19), for middle-age and older individuals seeking to better adapt and/or learn new skills…
