What are micro-credentials?
A short guide to the concepts, formats and technology that are changing how competences are certified across Europe.
Three concepts worth knowing
Before we dive into the details, let us clarify the basic terms.
Micro-credential
Proof of having acquired specific skills or knowledge — e.g. completing a course, passing an exam, or attending a training programme. Unlike a university degree, it covers a smaller, precisely defined area of knowledge.
E.g. "AWS Cloud Security Specialist"Digital credential
A micro-credential in digital form — cryptographically secured, electronically sealed and verifiable online. The EU standard is European Digital Credentials for Learning (EDC).
Format: PDF + JSON‑LD — both with a qSealBadge
A visual representation of a credential — a graphic the holder presents on a CV, on LinkedIn or in an e‑mail signature. In the EDC standard a badge is simply an image — all cryptography and metadata reside in a separate document (JSON‑LD).
PNG/SVG image — the credential's calling cardOne credential, two formats
Every Credentium digital credential exists simultaneously in two formats — both sealed with a qualified electronic seal (qSeal):
PDF with a qSeal
A digital certificate with an attractive visual design and a supplement describing the micro-credential details. Sealed with a qualified electronic seal (qSeal) — legally binding across the entire EU. Human-readable — it can be printed, e-mailed or displayed on screen.
{
"type": "VerifiableCredential",
"issuer": {
"name": "University XYZ"
},
"credentialSubject": {
"name": "John Smith",
"achievement": "…"
},
"proof": { // qSeal }
} JSON‑LD with a qSeal
Structured data compliant with the W3C Verifiable Credentials standard, sealed with a qualified electronic seal. Machine-readable — designed for recruitment systems, digital wallets (e.g. Europass) and educational platforms.
What about the badge?
A badge is just an image (PNG/SVG) — a calling card you can present on a CV, on LinkedIn or in an e‑mail signature. It contains no metadata or cryptographic signature — it is a nice graphic, not a data format.
Why is it not just a plain PDF?
Anyone can generate a PDF with arbitrary data. An EDC digital credential consists of two separate documents — both sealed with a qualified electronic seal.
- No cryptographic signature
- Cannot be verified online
- Content can be easily modified
- No way to confirm the actual issuer
Anyone can generate such a file — there is no way to verify its authenticity.
- eIDAS qualified electronic seal
- Any content modification is detected
- Legally binding across the entire EU
- Human-readable
A digital certificate with an attractive visual design and a supplement describing the micro-credential details — with a guarantee of authenticity.
{
"type": "VerifiableCredential",
"issuer": {
"name": "University XYZ"
},
"credentialSubject": {
"name": "John Smith",
"achievement": "…"
},
"proof": { // qSeal }
} - eIDAS qualified electronic seal
- Machine- and system-readable
- Automated verification
- W3C + EDC standard
Data designed for processing by recruitment systems, digital wallets (e.g. Europass) and educational platforms. Humans only see it in a dedicated application.
Why does it matter?
Trust
An employer, university or client knows the credential is genuine — no need to call and ask.
Portability
Works across the entire European Union — 24 languages, 27 countries, one standard.
Automation
Machines can read and verify the data — no manual document checking required.
Durability
A digital credential never disappears, wears out or fades — it is available anytime, anywhere.
Want to issue digital credentials?
Join the institutions already using Credentium — a micro-credential system compliant with European standards.