Exploring gaps in the quality assurance of micro-credentials: a global mapping review of current practices

Abstract

Quality assurance (QA) is one of the top barriers to the broader adoption of micro-credentials at scale. This paper reports the findings of an analysis of international quality standards, practices and supports for the QA of micro-credentials. There are three parts to the study: i) a global review of the external QA of micro-credentials; ii) a focus on the internal QA of micro-credentials at the institutional level; and iii) an effort to identify some of the supports available for the development of high-quality micro-credentials. The research, undertaken in the first quarter of 2023 involved desk research, follow-up interviews and informant conversations with critical actors in QA agencies and early adopter institutions to answer three main questions: i) how are national QA agencies in OECD member countries externally assuring the quality of micro-credentials?; ii) what internal QA practices have early adopter institutions developed to implement micro-credentials?; and (iii) what institutional supports, resources, and infrastructures are available to create high-quality micro-credentials? The findings reveal a mixed picture. Most national QA agencies have yet to intentionally respond to micro-credentials, although some indicate they plan to do so in the future. QA agencies in a handful of countries have deliberately adopted common frameworks and standards for micro-credentials, with only three countries having developed specific standards or QA processes. The institutional response to the internal QA of micro-credentials is relatively immature and largely invisible based on publicly available information. The findings provide a valuable benchmark to monitor progress in responding to future fit-for-purpose QA of micro-credentials.