Micro-Credentials and NanoCerts: Small Steps with Big Impact
Oct 10, 2025Degrees are important, but what about the milestones along the way? In Episode 3 of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Cali Morrison highlights the value of micro-credentials—what she and her team at American Public University System called *NanoCerts*.
NanoCerts were designed as stackable credentials. Instead of waiting years to earn a full degree, learners could achieve smaller, recognized milestones that carried value in the workplace. Each NanoCert was backed by digital badges that contained metadata, making the learner’s skills transparent and portable.
For working adults, this mattered. They could show progress to employers, apply new knowledge immediately, and gain recognition for their efforts. For institutions, it created a culture of relevance and workforce alignment, connecting academic programs with real-world skills.
Micro-credentials are more than a buzzword—they represent a shift toward visible, verifiable learning. They show that education can be both flexible and meaningful, meeting learners where they are while preparing them for what comes next.
👉 Listen to Episode 3 to learn how Calli and her colleagues built micro-credential programs and why they still hold promise for the future of education.
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