The big rewards of microcredentials: How new education options help employees and job seekers quickly advance their careers

With 9.6 million job openings nationwide resulting in less than one unemployed person per position, America is experiencing a unique labor shortage that defies historical expectations. Retiring baby boomers, a low labor force participation rate and a lack of skilled workers add up to a deficit of employees that’s not likely to ease anytime soon.

One potential solution is the rise in micro credentials, also known as micro degrees.

According to the State University of New York, “Microcredentials are short, focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills, know-how and experience. Stackable micro-credentials can also provide a pathway to a certificate or full degree, now or when you are ready.”

While these credentials have been around for many years, offerings have ballooned more recently as interest from employers and prospective employees has increased.

And microcredentials aren't specific to job seekers alone. Employees interested in upskilling and meeting their own professional goals benefit from these types of credentials. By demonstrating their learning outcomes in a formal manner, employees can share their competencies to reach their professional goals, and employers can easily verify them, leading to a win-win for both parties.

A recent study from The Harris Poll, commissioned by Express Employment Professionals shows that employers value these abbreviated educational building blocks:

77% of U.S. hiring managers say microcredentials are just as valuable as (39%) or more valuable than (38%) traditional degrees.
81% of hiring decision-makers agree that microcredentials provide the workforce with skilled workers in a timely manner.

And job seekers agree:

86% agree that microcredentials are a valuable way for established employees to grow their skill sets and knowledge.
79% say microcredentials will help close the workforce shortage.

Anyone looking to enroll in a microcredential program should understand whether the program will be valued by potential employers in their area. Ask a few key questions before enrolling:

Have the programs been designed with the job market in mind? Have employers or industry representatives provided input into the coursework?
Does the coursework provide the timing and location flexibility that your specific situation demands?
Are credentials stackable—meaning, can they eventually be combined to meet requirements of a traditional degree in the future, if desired? Do they transfer to other institutions?
Is the institution credible? Do employers in your area or field of study understand that the institution is trustworthy? If necessary, is it accredited?
How are credentials verified and validated? Does the institution provide a digital badge or a competency-based transcript? Do employers recognize and accept these?

“Every aspect of our lives is becoming customizable on demand,” said Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller. “Why shouldn’t education follow suit? Microcredentials—or microdegrees—are proliferating as a cost-effective way for job seekers and employees to develop their skills and prove their talents on their own schedules.”

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,010 U.S. hiring decision-makers (defined as adults ages 18+ in the U.S. who are employed full-time or self-employed, work at companies with more than one employee, and have full/significant involvement in hiring decisions at their company). Data were weighted where necessary by company size to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 3.2 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,006 adults ages 18 and older. Data are weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income and propensity to be online, to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.