Are microcredentials a revolution, or simply a gentle nudge to existing education systems? This question, explored by Paolo Nardi (EfVET) and Stefano Tirati (Learning Digital) in EfVET’s BET on VET podcast, is especially relevant for vocational education and training. Microcredentials may be small by design, but their impact depends on something much larger: the environment in which they are created, recognised and used. The podcast presents them not as an automatic disruption, but as a tool whose transformative value emerges through trust, cooperation and practical adoption.
This is the reason why MiCRET launched its Microcredentials Thermometer. Rather than asking only how many microcredentials a country issues, the tool examines national readiness across four interconnected dimensions: policy and recognition; ecosystem and adoption; infrastructure and standards; and usage and market demand. Its 100-point framework gives the greatest weight to real usage, reminding us that a credential has limited value unless learners, providers and employers actively use and trust it.
What heats up a microcredential ecosystem?
| Readiness dimension | Maximum score |
| Policy and recognition | 25 |
| Ecosystem and adoption | 25 |
| Infrastructure and standards | 20 |
| Usage and labour market | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
For VET providers, this perspective changes the conversation. The main question is no longer “Should we offer microcredentials?” but “What needs to be in place for microcredentials to create value?”
A well-designed short course may still fail if employers do not understand the learning outcomes, but also assessment lacks credibility and digital credentials cannot be verified, or learners cannot combine the achievement with further training.
MiCRET brings these questions into practice within the renewable energy sector, where VET must respond rapidly to technological change while preserving quality and recognition. VET providers as more than delivery organisations in this process, they are ecosystem builders. The project aims to develop a European framework for stackable microcredentials, strengthen recognition and portability, and align training with emerging green and digital skills. Its ambitions therefore depend not only on designing relevant learning modules, but also on creating the conditions in which those learning modules recognition can travel between institutions, companies and countries.
The Thermometer can be used not only as a ranking, but as a conversation starter. The countries’ dashboards are explicitly presented as indicative evidence-informed starting points for discussion and validation with national stakeholders. For VET institutions, the findings can support dialogue with ministries, qualifications authorities, private sector, and learners about the links to me reinforced in the microcredential chain.
From national temperature to VET action
| Thermometer level | Priority for VET providers |
| Cold: 0–25 | Build awareness and common definitions |
| Warming: 26–50 | Pilot with employers and strengthen quality assurance |
| Active: 51–75 | Connect credentials to qualifications and digital systems |
| Hot: 76–100 | Scale provision, portability and labour-market use |
Microcredentials may start with a short course, a digital certificate, or an e-badge. However, if VET providers are supported by clear policies, trusted standards, employer engagement and accessible infrastructure, then microcredentials can become systemic change.
The revolution is not about the badge itself. It is the ecosystem that makes the badge meaningful.
Learn more at https://micret.eu/.