Options for a Micro-Credential Registry

Status: closed

Project: Options for a Micro-Credential Registry
Responsible Organization: British Columbia Council on Admissions & Transfer

Background

During winter and spring 2020–2021, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, working with sector stakeholders and partners, developed a Micro-Credential Framework to support a coordinated and consistent approach to the development and delivery of micro-credentials across B.C.’s public post-secondary system. As this work took place, it was recognized that some components of the Framework required additional research. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training is partnering with the British Columbia Council on Admissions & Transfer and BCcampus to lead research projects in six areas where further investigation is required to provide clarity around more complex components of the Framework. This work will assist stakeholders to determine next steps regarding Framework implementation.

Purpose

Survey existing and planned credential registries, identify key features, and determine which elements might be integrated with EducationPlannerBC, Thompson Rivers University Credit Bank, and/or the BC Transfer Guide to support learner, employer, and post-secondary institution awareness of micro-credentials offered in B.C.

Scope

It may be beneficial for all learners, including Indigenous learners and communities, to have an access point to learn what micro-credentials are available at B.C. post-secondary institutions. It will be important to look at other models being used for registries worldwide, including existing infrastructure such as EducationPlannerBC and the BC Transfer Guide, to determine the most accessible solution for B.C. learners. Thompson Rivers University should be consulted about how its existing Credit Bank may be applicable for this purpose. The scope will include key jurisdictions that offer models for credential registries. Although registries that incorporate micro-credentials will be of particular interest, registries focused on other credential types should be incorporated.

Research Outcomes

  1. Identify key features of existing and proposed credential registries in jurisdictions worldwide. The intended audience for existing and proposed registries, and the criteria for inclusion of credentials within the registries, should be incorporated in the summary of features and should specify which features are important for a given audience.
  2. Identify opportunities to integrate a micro-credential registry into existing services and resources in B.C., including EducationPlannerBC, Thompson Rivers University Credit Bank, and the BC Transfer Guide.
  3. In consultation with B.C. stakeholders, develop recommendations for a B.C. micro-credential registry. Recommendations should consider inclusion of credentials from a variety of educational organizations, such as private post-secondary institutions and Indigenous institutes.
  4. Identify areas for future consultation to maximize alignment of these processes and principles with other jurisdictions.

Proposed Time Line

Time line for submission:

  1. Submit proposal by November 23, 2021.
  2. Contract will be awarded on November 26, 2021.

Time line for work related to this call for proposals:

  1. Draft due by February 28, 2022 (should include stakeholder engagement).
  2. Complete project by March 31, 2022.

Deliverables

Submit a professional report that meets the research outcomes to rmckerlich@bccampus.ca by March 31, 2022. Note: A draft report is due February 28, 2022.

Payment

The total amount of the contract will be GST inclusive.

Payment to be negotiated upon award of contract.

Application

Please submit your proposal using this application and email to rmckerlich@bccampus.ca by midnight on November 21, 2021. Any questions about this call can be addressed to the same.

The funders may seek to combine projects. Proponents should apply to all projects of interest, should suggest where they see opportunities to combine two or more projects, and should outline the benefits of doing so.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will guide the evaluation and selection of the successful proposal.

Quality

  • Roles and relevant experience of principal and team members who will work on the project are clearly described.
  • Project steps and milestones are clearly articulated and reasonable for the amount of effort noted.
  • Proposal clearly states an understanding of the deliverables and the intention of the project.

Budget

  • The budget is reasonable with regard to the work proposed.
  • The budget is easy to understand and clearly outlines the most significant line items required, along with a reasonable time line for expenses.
  • The budget clearly shows when the project work and related expenses will occur.