What is a Micro-credential?

When you’re deciding how to invest your professional development budget, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With so many options, how do you know what type of course is right for you? 

We’ve simplified the differences so you can feel confident in your next step.

What types of courses does Kāpuhipuhi offer? 

Our portfolio includes a range of short courses, programmes, and micro-credentials. Each has its place, but micro-credentials stand out for their added value. 

Micro-credentials are University-accredited courses, typically worth 5-points. For context, most university papers sit at 15 or 20 points. Micro-credential points sit at a defined level, either undergraduate or postgraduate, and can be stacked together to create a pathway to further qualifications or career advancement. 

How are micro-credentials different from short courses? 

The key difference between short course and a micro-credential lies in assessment and recognition. 

Short courses are valuable for upskilling, but they don’t carry formal credit. Micro-credentials, on the other hand, require assessment, whether through a presentation, reflection task, or written assignment, to demonstrate your learning. 

Because of this, our micro-credentials are recognised by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. This makes them more prestigious than standard certificates of completion, providing a tangible certification that carries weight with employers and education providers. 

Why choose a micro-credential?

Micro-credentials allow you to:

• Expand opportunities – Use micro-credentials as a stepping stone towards further study or new career roles
• Boost your CV – Showcase tertiary-level knowledge and skills that employers value
• Demonstrate your expertise – Micro-credentials provide evidence of your new skills and commitment to professional growth

How to leverage your micro-credentials

Completing a micro-credential means you’ve already collected academic credit. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Plan your path – Connect with a course advisor at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to map out the most efficient pathway towards your next qualification
• Check eligibility – Confirm that your micro-credential is eligible for credit transfer into your desired programme
• Apply your credit – When you apply for your next course, request a credit transfer or reach out to our course advice team for support

Take the next step

A micro-credential is more than a certificate, it’s a building block for your future. Whether you’re growing your career, preparing for postgraduate study, or looking for recognition of your skills, micro-credentials offer a flexible, credible, and future-focused way forward.

See what micro-credentials we offer by clicking here.