What Are Stackable Credentials?

Stackable credentials are the real deal. They are in trend and gaining momentum by the day. Even Harvard University has incorporated stackable micro-credentials into its education system.

Today, prominent universities are adopting programs that provide micro-credentials, which can come in handy to further enroll in higher studies or specialize in their respective fields. 

Before we answer the question “What are stackable credentials,” let’s first look into the global trends. According to a study by Rand, the stacking rate in colleges in the U.S., especially community colleges in Colorado and Ohio, stands at 20 to 63 percent. It indicates that students enrolled in different colleges might have various opportunities in terms of stacking credentials. 

What are Stackable Credentials?

Stackable credentials are short-form courses or certificates designed to help learners acquire specific skills and competencies. These credentials can stand alone or be combined (stacked) toward a more comprehensive qualification, such as a degree.

The reason why it is gaining so much popularity is because it helps students make up their minds about what they want to do with their lives. As stackable programs are short, a student takes a risk to understand if his field of choice is worthy enough for him to make a career in. In a bid to avoid those instant regrets, stackable credentials help students make the right career choice. 

Stackable Credential Programs

Many students question what are stackable programs and, despite the hype, need help moving to new ways of learning.

Unlike traditional methods, where first one completes high school, then college, and moves towards degrees, these short-term programs help students understand what they want to do in their lives.

It is not that risky to leave a program halfway and register in a different field if one is not doing a degree. As stackable programs have enough weightage to help students enroll in higher studies later on, students find it more convenient this way.

Benefits of Stackable Micro-Credentials

There are numerous benefits of stackable micro-credentials. Below are some of the most important ones:

Earn Credits!

One of the most important benefits of stackable credentials is credits! The credits earned through certificates can often add up toward a degree. Undoubtedly, degrees have more value, and universities can enroll students bearing enough stackable certificates. Not only this, but the study period also shortens, which means you’ll be able to acquire jobs faster than the traditional way. Many students opt for two or three programs at a time, get their certification, and enroll in a degree program quickly. They do all this while studying and working in their jobs simultaneously.

A new study conducted in California on stackable credential programs suggests that individuals who completed certificates in stackable programs were around 16 percent more likely to attain a second credential. These programs also help colleges save a lot of money as more students enroll, which they can use to improve their education system and introduce more such programs. 

Saves You Money and Time

Stackable credentials offer flexibility to learners in terms of pricing, time, and overall commitment.

As an adult, you might face many challenges in pursuing your degree program. It is not easy to handle both job and study. But, with stackable credential programs, it is time-saving and also cost-effective. You can still be at the top of your game and earn promotions with the help of short-term programs providing authentic certifications.

It can help you cut short the time, too. How? Many certifications are countable in degree programs. If you need 12 semesters to earn a degree, you could cover two to four semesters while completing short-term stackable credential programs. It depends from university to university.

Help You Get More Traction

The rising trend in the assessment of credit-for-prior learning and with many higher-education institutions accepting industry-required certification is broadening its scope significantly. This is helping gain more traction as the “stacking” concept takes hold in industries such as information and technology, the business world, engineering, and health sectors. This is why there is an increased interest in earning online badges, including soft skills, leadership, and team building.

Examples of Stackable Credential Programs

Harvard University Offers micro-credentials in various fields that can stack toward professional certifications or degrees.

CrossFit Trainer Credentials: A four-level program where learners earn digital badges at each stage, culminating in a Level 4 Coach credential.

Microsoft Certifications: Programs in Excel, Azure, and other tools offer stackable options for deeper specialization.

How Do Credentials Stack?

Credentials can be stacked in three ways:

• Vertically: Advancing knowledge in a single area (e.g., Excel Level 1 → Level 2 → Level 3).
• Horizontally: Gaining skills across multiple areas (e.g., marketing, data analysis, and project management).
• Hybrid: A mix of vertical and horizontal stacking (e.g., Excel Level 1 and Marketing Level 1).

This flexibility lets learners customize their educational journey to align with personal and professional goals.

Conclusion

Stackable credentials make it easy for adult learners to enhance their skills while they are in their jobs. Not only that but for young learners unsure if their choice of field is correct for them, these short-term programs help save time and make decisions. 

Stackable programs can also be counted toward a degree; saving time and money. But, of course, this depends on the institution. We hope your query for what are stackable credentials has been resolved.