Czechia: preparation of national support for microcredentials

Current status and challenges

Czechia’s microcredentials system is still developing. Large companies, such as IBM, Microsoft Learn, and Unicorn University use their own microcredentials systems linked to internal quality assurance mechanisms. However, these models are not interconnected and target only specific market segments.
Upper secondary schools are also showing interest, particularly in lifelong learning, as they address legislative requirements that set qualification criteria for different job roles. However, the adoption of microcredentials poses challenges for many institutions, particularly in terms of the quality and attractiveness of the courses offered.  

Higher education initiatives

In 2022, all 26 public higher education institutions (HEIs), led by Charles University, joined a 2-year project under the National Recovery Plan. They have:

• adopted a common microcredentials format;
• standardised learning outcomes with ECTS credit volumes;
• developed a methodology for microcredential recognition;
• launched a joint verification system (in June 2024).

Czechia has now caught up with Ireland and the Netherlands, which had introduced national frameworks for issuing microcredentials earlier. HEIs are currently finalising an online catalogue of public higher education courses leading to microcredentials. A consensus has been reached on lifelong learning courses range from 1 to 60 ECTS (1 ECTS equals 25 hours of learning), with most falling between 3 and 20 ECTS.

Input for course content comes from both academic knowledge and practical applications. Subjects include effective communication in public administration, prevention of risk behaviour, translation of legal texts, foreign language or multilingual courses on new trends in economics or new directions in international politics, courses on cyber security, AI, blockchain technology, satellite data in science education, and security and crisis management. Some HEIs have already issued the first microcredentials, while others are preparing for their launch.  

Graduates gain exclusive database access to their microcredentials, enabling them to share portfolios electronically with employers or institutions. 

Towards a harmonised microcredential ecosystem in Czechia

At a conference on 3 October 2024, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the OECD, launched a 24-month project to harmonise microcredentials across higher education, VET, and non-formal learning sectors. The initiative includes:

• peer-to-peer meetings for feedback from national and international education and labour market experts;
• regional focus groups for input from employers, education institutions, professional associations and authorities.

The project also addresses technical solutions for a unified system.

Supporting regional development in cultural and creative industries 

The project by the NGO 4K – Regional Cultural and Creative Office of the Karlovy Vary Region funded by the operational programme Just Transition is setting quality standards for microcredentials. Running from summer 2024 to the end of 2027, it supports economic transformation in individual regions by targeting both students and adults, aligning with Czechia’s emerging microcredentials system.

Both projects are building on the earlier Microcredentials in the Czech higher education environment project to create a cohesive and inclusive national system.

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Joint verification system for micro-credentials