Stackable Certificate Programs: What are they, and what are the benefits?
With the rise of online learning and remote education options, stackable certificate programs are growing in popularity. These programs are also known as “microcredentials” or “stackable credentials.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a stackable credential is a “part of a sequence of credentials that can be accumulated over time to build up an individual’s qualifications and help them to move along a career pathway or up a career ladder to different and potentially higher-paying jobs.” These credentials can be especially helpful for people who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are looking to transition to a new path.
According to a research paper from Community College Research Center, individuals and employees generally pursue stackable certificate programs for three primary reasons:
Progression. Progression stacks are ideal for people who want to develop their skills in a specialized area to work their way toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Supplemental. These serve as a method for reskilling or upgrading employees. Employees may need to develop a specific new skill as their job responsibilities grow or change.
Independent. In this stack approach, individuals accumulate short-term credentials that might lack coherence, but provide a diverse education across a broad spectrum of subjects.
The college degree, and particularly the four-year college degree, is the foundation of the traditional higher education system. When implemented by universities – and many of them already offer stackable certificate programs – this credential approach can benefit college students by teaching them professional and career-specific skills.
Stackable certificate programs are on top of the latest industry trends. CEO and Founder of Virtanza Debbie Holzkamp says:
“We’re in the great transition from mature industry to emerging industry, and it takes training and skills to be a part of a fast, emerging, explosive technology industry. The great news is we can help people get there with an immersive, fast program in record time. You can be on the leading edge of the new transition.”
If you’re a student looking to expand your knowledge and explore a specific type of job, look into stackable certificates with universities. This just might be a rewarding option for you in your future career path.
And if you’re interested in a long-term career path that enables you to build relationships, you might consider Virtanza’s courses, partnered with various universities to bring you a high-level academic learning experience. These engaging classes teach you critical knowledge for the workplace, from sales fundamentals to tools for effectively managing other employees.