What is a microcredential?
A microcredential is a series of intentionally created learning materials that prepare students with in-demand skills for specific careers or roles. When a student completes a single badge or a full microcredential, they receive a NorQuest College credential without having to enroll in a credit program.
These credentials are valued by employers and can give you a competitive advantage in the job market—especially for students looking to upskill or reskill.
What is a badge?
A badge is digitally shareable credential that you will achieve when you complete a set of learning material. You can either complete one badge to earn your credential in a specific skillset, or you can complete all badges in the program to earn your full microcredential.
For example, when you enrol for the Supply Chain for Tourism microcredential, you’ll have the option to choose which badge you’d like to enroll in. If you decide you only want to take the Supply Chain Strategy in the Tourism Sector badge, you will receive a digital credential for that specific topic when you complete the badge. If you choose to complete all of the badges in the program, you will earn an additional badge that certifies you’ve completed the entire program.
How long will it take me to work through the material?
The length of time to complete each badge depends on the program. Each microcredential program page will display how long (approximately) it will take to complete each badge, as well as how many hours per week of course material you can expect.
Our microcredentials are designed for busy, working professionals. They are created to work around your schedule, so you can continue focusing on the priorities in your professional and personal life while gaining a NorQuest credential.
Do I have to be online at a specific time?
Most of our microcredential programs are offered online anytime, meaning there is no assigned class or lecture time. You’ll have a set number of weeks to complete your badge(s), but you won’t be expected to tune into any live lectures.
However, for work experience components (if applicable to your program/badge), you may be expected to follow a dedicated schedule with an employer partner.
Where can I post my digital badge?
You can include your badge(s) on your LinkedIn profile, on your resume, any of your social media platforms, and other career databases where applicable.
Can the credentials lead to a certificate or diploma?
At this time, microcredentials are not transferable to our credit (certificate or diploma) programs. However, we are working towards transfer opportunities within NorQuest College and will update any respective websites when these updates occur.
How do I get my digital badge?
Two weeks after you complete your badge, you will receive an email from our digital badge issuer, Credly (Acclaim), which will prompt you to create an account on their website and then access your digital wallet where all badges you’ve earned through NorQuest College will be. Once you get your account set up, you are then free to share the badges as you’d like.
What does a digital badge look like?
Each badge has metadata attached to it which explains the skills you have demonstrated and requirements you completed to receive it, Employers can then look at these details and better understand what knowledge or skills you have gained by completing this badge or microcredential.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol for our microcredentials directly through the program page. There is no application fee, and we accept credit card payments.
When enrolling for some microcredentials, you may be asked to create a NorQuest College account.
If you have previously enrolled as a Norquest College student, you would need to use the same email address and password you received when you became a student.
When can I take it?
Most of our microcredentials are open entry, meaning you can start anytime within the specified limit.
For example, for our Foundational Business and Entrepreneurial Skills in Healthcare microcredential, students can enrol for a badge anywhere between January 8 to May 5, 2024. You’ll be asked to select your start date when you enrol.
Can I choose my own start date?
Yes, you will choose your start date when enrolling for the program.
Can I finish earlier than the prescribed number of weeks?
Of course! Our badge lengths are approximations only. Because the programs are typically offered online anytime, you can complete the badge at your own pace.
Is there CO-OP or internship after?
Some (not all) of our microcredentials include a work integrated learning badge. You will need to complete all other badges in the microcredential before enroling in a Work-Integrated Learning badge.
Most of our microcredential programs also include some form of hands-on learning to help you bridge the theory components with more real-life, practical knowledge
Is the total price for all three courses or is it $$$ per course?
The costs listed on the program pages are for each badge (unless otherwise specified).
I’m an international student, does this count towards my required course load?
If you are an international student enrolled in a credit program, your microcredential will not count towards your course load. We are currently exploring how we can incorporate these credentials into our credit programs, but, at this time, it is not available.
I’m an international student, can I take these courses?
Yes! International students are welcome and encouraged to enrol for a microcredential. They are a great way for international students to gain a Canadian credential before continuing their careers in Canada or taking the knowledge they acquired back to their home country.