Foreword

NLL and the Nordic network for validation supports the visibility and recognition of skills, knowledge and competences obtained by individuals through education, work and leisure activities. These skills and competences are increasingly important and promote growth throughout the Nordic region based on knowledge and mobility.

With the aim of the Nordic region being the world's most sustainable and integrated region in 2030, NLL's validation network contributes to reaching this vision through several initiatives. The network supports the development of high-quality validation in the Nordic countries and self-governing regions as well as systematic exchange of experiences regarding structure and method development. The network advocates a strategic approach to validation and proposes integration of validation with new education policies, such as microcredentials, which are the focus of this report.

With the EU’s strategy on microcredentials as the point of departure, the Nordic validation network has carried out a mapping and analysis of small learning units in order to describe the possibilities and benefits of micro merits. In addition, the network has looked into validity and legitimacy of competencies based on non-formal and informal learning, without applying the criteria used within the formal education system.

Key questions asked by the network are:

The analysis shows that a microcredential may stand alone (e.g. one completed course) or it might be combined with several microcredentials as a set of credentials and/or to a wider and larger credential. Microcredentials are owned by the learner, they are the property of the learner, they might be shared and are transferable through place and time. It is essential that they are underpinned by quality assurance, following agreed standards in the relevant sector or area of activity and imply stakeholder collaboration.

This analysis has been coordinated and conducted by Bodil Husted, former associate professor at VIA University College, Denmark, with a highly valued contribution by network members from all Nordic countries and self-governing areas.

NLL thanks the members of the Nordic validation network for their important contribution to further development and implementation of holistic validation policies throughout the Nordic region.

The Nordic analysis on microcredentials recommends and supports informed decision making if and when countries decide to include microcredentials in national and regional standards and systems. NLL hopes the analysis will support and facilitate development work at all levels of education as well as help connect microcredentials to related activities, such as guidance and validation, and integrate different contexts and arenas of learning.

Enjoy the reading!

Antra Carlsen, NLL head-coordinator