Micro-credentials

Micro-credentials are a formal way of recognising your skills and knowledge in a particular area that employers are looking for. They are aimed at people who want to:

• upskill, or learn a specific skill
• work with technology that is changing rapidly
• change careers quickly, without having to take time off work to train
• get specialised skills that employers are looking for
• get credit for skills they already have.

Micro-credentials cover a wide range of subjects, from electric vehicle battery diagnosis to kitchen installation.

Check the NZQA website to find out what micro-credentials are available. This information is updated as new micro-credentials become available.

• NZQA website - check the register of micro-credentials

Micro-credentials differ from formal qualifications. They:

• have to meet a range of requirements, including evidence of need from employers, industries, communities and iwi
• can’t duplicate skills or topics already taught in qualifications
• are worth between five and 40 credits, which means they are smaller than qualifications (which range from 40 to 360 credits).

You may be able to use micro-credentials towards gaining a qualification. The education provider will know what qualification a micro-credential may be used for. 

• NZQA website - using micro-credentials toward a qualification

Micro-credentials aren’t a substitute for qualifications that are entry requirements for a job.

However, for some jobs without specific entry qualifications, a micro-credential that demonstrates you have relevant training and experience can help you get a position. For example, someone who completes BCITO’s managed traineeship, or micro-credential, in kitchen installations may be able to get a job working for a builder installing kitchens, but not doing other specialised building work.

Micro-credentials may be offered by:

• universities, wānanga, Te Pūkenga and private training establishments (PTEs)
• employers and professional bodies, either in partnership with tertiary education providers or directly.

To get a micro-credential you may need to:

• complete online and classroom study
• learn skills, particularly trade skills, on the job
• provide evidence of your existing skills to credit toward part of, or a whole micro-credential.

The time it takes to complete a micro-credential depends on:

• the time you have available to study, and your study skills
• the level of the micro-credential
• the number of credits in the micro-credential. One credit is approximately 10 hours of learning, so a 5-credit course is approximately 50 hours of learning.

Learners should be able to complete most micro-credentials without taking time off work.

Contact the education provider to find out the cost of micro-credentials.

Micro-credential learners are not eligible for student loans or allowances, but may be eligible for the Fees Free initiative.

• Fees Free website - check your eligibility for Fees Free

Micro-credentials have different names, including:

• nano-degree
• nano-credential
• managed traineeship
• brand names, such as EduBits, offered by Otago Polytechnic.

If you complete a micro-credential, your provider might issue you with a digital badge, which you can display online.

NZQA-approved micro-credentials can also be displayed on your record of achievement.

Find out more

• Study and training if you need learning support