Recent developments enable universities across 49 EU member countries and the US higher education system to grant credits for industry-relevant certifications.
By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer
We are excited to share that the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) has officially recognized 17 Professional Certificates from leading technology companies, providing them with European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credit recommendations. Additionally, five of these Professional Certificates have received credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE).
This initiative allows students, educational institutions, and government bodies to accept and transfer academic credits for 22 industry micro-credentials across 49 member nations in the European Higher Education Area and over 440 accredited institutions in the United States. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards creating a global framework for recognizing online learning credentials.
As the landscape of work evolves due to advancements in Generative AI and digital transformation, universities are increasingly leveraging online education to boost student employability. However, varying credit standards across different educational systems have historically posed challenges for governments and institutions aiming for consistent recognition of non-traditional credentials, online courses, or international study experiences.
With more than 30 of our micro-credentials now holding ECTS credit recommendations and over 40 receiving ACE credit recommendations, we are making strides towards ensuring that students can have their online learning acknowledged by institutions worldwide. The following credentials are now eligible for credit under the ECTS framework:
Meta:
Microsoft:
IBM:
The following Professional Certificates have been granted ACE Credit Recommendations:
“Our Professional Certificates empower individuals to enhance their careers with globally-recognized qualifications, irrespective of their background or experience. The recent ECTS approvals validate our partnership, showcasing our dedication to bridging the gap between higher education and industry demands, equipping learners with essential skills for in-demand digital careers,” stated a representative from one of the tech companies.
ECTS plays a crucial role in the planning, delivery, and assessment of higher education programs in Europe, facilitating flexible study arrangements, including the Erasmus program. It is a key component of the Bologna Process, which aims to enhance the comparability of national education systems on an international scale.
As the primary coordinating body for colleges and universities, the ACE represents over 1,600 institutions and related organizations in the United States and beyond. It is the only major higher education association that encompasses all types of accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities in the U.S., educating two-thirds of students in accredited institutions.
To ensure that higher education meets the rapidly evolving needs of students and employers, collaboration among educational institutions, industry leaders, and international organizations is vital. We are committed to expanding partnerships with leading institutions and credit recognition systems like ECTS and ACE, ensuring that all learners can seamlessly integrate their online credentials into their academic qualifications and lifelong learning records.
For more information about ECTS Credit Recommendations, please visit our support page. To learn more about ACE Credit Recommendations, check our dedicated resources. For additional details about our campus initiatives, feel free to explore our website.