Micro-credentials and Short Courses in Latin America and Caribbean Region

Micro-credentials have the potential to expand access to post-secondary education by offering students more flexible and cost-effective alternatives to traditional higher-education pathways. They can also help bridge the gap between jobseekers and employers by reducing information frictions that hinder efficient job matching, while enabling individuals to upgrade their skills without leaving the workforce. As such, micro-credentials can accelerate career advancement. However, in Latin America and the Caribbean, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited and, at times, mixed. This note outlines a set of measures aimed at improving both the quality and relevance of micro-credentials, as well as the methods used to assess their impact, so that countries can fully harness this promising public-policy tool