FAQs - Micro-credentials

Learn about our bespoke and flexible micro-credentials with our FAQs.

Yes. Because they are: 

  • Focused and industry-aligned 
  • Outcome-driven 
  • Digitally verifiable 
  • Professionally portable 

They are particularly effective in employer-based and professional development contexts. 

Accreditation demonstrates: 

  • Rigour 
  • Integrity 
  • Accountability 
  • Alignment with UK quality standards 
  • External validation of delivery and assessment  

This is particularly valuable in competitive and international markets. 

Providers must implement structured internal quality assurance processes to ensure: 

  • Consistency of delivery and assessment  
  • Fair and uniform standards 
  • Transparent criteria 
  • Defensible and auditable outcomes 

Learning outcomes must be: 

  • Clearly defined 
  • Measurable 
  • Aligned to assessment methods 
  • Focused on demonstrable competence 

Each course submission must include: 

  • Programme description 
  • Delivery mode(s) 
  • Duration 
  • Learning outcomes 
  • Skills and knowledge acquired 
  • Target learners 
  • Progression opportunities 
  • Assessment approach 
  • Quality assurance arrangements 
  • Available delivery resources 

If significant gaps are identified, Open Awards will arrange a review meeting and provide guidance to help you meet the required standards. 

  • Provider approval review: 5 working days 
  • Course accreditation review (per course): 5 working days 
  • Full process timeline: approximately 4 weeks from submission of complete documentation 

Providers must demonstrate an appropriate policy framework including: 

  • Complaints 
  • Conflict of interest 
  • Data protection 
  • Cyber security 
  • Safeguarding 
  • Health & Safety 
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 
  • Business continuity 

The process has two stages: 

Stage 1: Provider Approval 

  • Organisational due diligence 
  • Governance and quality assurance review 
  • Policy framework checks 

Stage 2: Course Accreditation 

  • Individual review of each micro-credential 
  • Validation of learning outcomes, assessment and delivery model 

Digital badges provide: 

  • Secure online verification 
  • Embedded metadata (learning outcomes, issuer, validation period) 
  • Protection against fraudulent certificates 
  • Instant sharing on LinkedIn and professional platforms  

They enhance employability, professional mobility and global visibility.