The workforce is rapidly evolving, with microcredentials emerging as a powerful tool to provide industry professionals with the knowledge and competencies for high-demand jobs. In the present, microcredentials are expanding across BC and Canada. And in the future, you can expect them to be a common and flexible pathway for recent graduates and industry professionals at all stages of their careers.
Why? Because microcredentials are reinventing how you can upskill or reskill to stay ahead of the curve in the workplace. Rather than being confined to a full-time or part-time program that may take months or years to complete, microcredentials are abridged offerings that let you add recognizable digital badges to your resumé and LinkedIn profile as soon as you complete the program.
Certificates, diplomas, and degrees remain as relevant as ever, but microcredentials have proven to be a great new addition—enabling new graduates, professionals, and job seekers to get the in-demand skills they need to find gainful employment in today’s digital and sustainable economy.
What are microcredentials?
By definition, microcredentials meet three criteria:
- They’re short: By providing high-quality, just-in-time programming, microcredentials enable you to hone the skills needed in today’s job market at an accelerated pace.
- They’re modular: You can customize your education by taking microcredentials on a one-off basis or bundling them together. BCIT microcredentials are for-credit and ladder towards a degree or diploma program.
- They’re relevant: Within a matter of weeks, you can add a digital badge to your resumé or LinkedIn profile to show organizations that you have relevant and specialized skills—and that you’re ready to work.
There’s already plenty of precedent for the success of microcredentials. The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario reports that 60% of employers have more confidence in a prospective employee who’s obtained one or more of these highly specialized, highly applicable competencies.
How are microcredentials offered at BCIT?
Much like all the other courses and programs at BCIT, microcredentials are designed with industry input, and led by instructors who are also real-world professionals—and because class sizes tend to be smaller, there are lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning. These programs are also streamlined, building expertise in a single area over a handful of sessions, and ending with an assessment that awards you with credit.
Microcredentials for every field
BCIT offers microcredentials for a variety of fields and industries. Here are some that might peak your interest:
- Automotive Service Management Essentials blends customer service, basic automotive knowledge, and management skills to help learners advance their careers or transition into the automotive industry.
- Building Energy Modelling and Simulation prepares students to become professional “energy modellers” who are competent in whole building energy simulations and able to apply them to design, operations, and renovations—all within less than a year.
- Canadian Engineering Professional Practice provides internationally trained engineers with law, ethics, and communication skills, while preparing junior engineers to write the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE).
- Data Visualization with MS Power BI unlocks the power of data. Designed for those with no experience in data modeling, it equips you with Excel and Power BI skills to create dynamic dashboards, setting you on a path to become a data-driven decision-maker.
- Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation is a six-credit online program for investigators and finance professionals who wish to join the fight against economic crime. Courses run one evening per week over four weeks.
- Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction delivers an online, self-paced program that gives construction professionals a foundation in the growing field of mass timber, including cost estimation, installation basics, and building performance.
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Essentials is designed for those looking to start a career in workplace health and safety or add foundational OHS knowledge into their current role.
- Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist equips experienced tradespeople with the hands-on expertise and industry-informed knowledge needed to design and install high-performance residential heat pump equipment that meet evolving climate and homeowner demands.
- Script Supervision and Continuity for Film and TV teaches the essential skills to keep productions on track through BCIT’s part-time microcredential designed for the film and television industry.
- Sterile Field and the Aseptic Environment is ideal for individuals in healthcare, esthetics, tattooing, and related fields who need essential knowledge to safely navigate sterile and aseptic environments.
See the full list of microcredential programs offered by BCIT.
Who are microcredentials for?
The people who benefit most from microcredentials are those who want to enhance their education and professional experience in a way that’s affordable, flexible, and quickly shareable. That could be anybody—from students and recent post-secondary graduates who are eager to join the workforce, to current employees who want to future-proof their careers, to job seekers who want to upskill or reskill in order to embark on a new career path.
But microcredentials aren’t limited to those groups. You can’t go wrong with a digital badge that shows organizations you have unique knowledge, competency, and understanding in a certain area. And because most microcredentials are modular, any credits you acquire can ladder up to a larger certificate, degree, or diploma if that’s the direction you choose to go.
Making the most of microcredentials
The world is changing rapidly as organizations adopt new technologies and adapt to new environmental risks—and that means the Canadian economy and job market are changing too. Microcredentials give you the ability and the agility to stay current.
It’s estimated that 80% of all job openings in BC will require some post-secondary education over the next decade. If you’re looking for robust, competitive credits from a reputable institution, but aren’t sure about investing substantial time and money on a full-time or part-time program, microcredentials might be your best—and next—move.
Explore microcredentials offered at BCIT
(Last updated: Sept 12, 2025)