August 4, 2026
Micro-credentials are short, focused programs designed to help people upskill quickly. They have become one of the fastest-growing ways to build job-ready skills across Canada.
What is a micro-certificate?
A UBC Micro-certificate is a competency-based credential that focuses on specific, in-demand skills instead of a broad subject area. Most have just one to four courses with a minimum of 50 hours of learning, it helps students gain applied, resume-ready skills in weeks rather than years.
I really appreciated that this program was offered in a micro-certificate, as it provided a unique opportunity to learn specifically about accounting in healthcare contexts."
Fatima, UBC Micro-certificate in Healthcare Accounting
Focused approach
That focused approach is deliberate. Instead of working through a broad curriculum to eventually reach the skills you need, a micro-certificate takes you there directly. It’s useful whether you're closing a gap in your current role, adding skills employers want or testing a new direction before committing to something longer.
You can feel confident your learning is backed by UBC’s academic standards. Micro-certificates have comprehensive curricula approved by the UBC Senate, the same governance process behind every UBC credential, and are designed to meet thorough academic standards. You can take a UBC micro-certificate on its own or stack it toward a larger credential (depending on the program) over time.
The topics are always current, too. UBC Micro-certificates cover topics such as artificial intelligence, writing, cybersecurity strategy, and equity, diversity and inclusion. So, you’re learning skills that are relevant to today’s evolving workplace.
There are many programs offering surface-level diversity training, but UBC's approach required foundational knowledge and offered comprehensive insights. I wanted more than just a quick win."
Deyra Jaye, UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion.
Designed for flexibility
Another benefit of a micro-certificate is that it fits into your life. Whether it’s live online classes or instructor-supported learning, students can upskill without putting their career, or personal life, on hold.
I only had to take two courses to earn my Cybersecurity Strategy and Risk Management micro-credential. I took both courses online and they each lasted four weeks, which made it possible for me to work full-time and do school without disrupting my schedule."
Mary, UBC Micro-certificate in Cybersecurity Strategy and Risk Management
A global shift, not just a BC one
The growth of micro-credentials isn’t unique to BC. The demand is global and increasing. In 2022, The European Union adopted a shared European approach to help learners and employers trust them across borders (Council of the European Union). Meanwhile, Singapore's national upskilling platform logged a record 555,000 learners in 2024 (SkillsFuture Singapore). Short, verifiable skills training is quickly becoming a standard part of how economies build a workforce, and BC is one of the more active hubs in that shift.
Why it matters for BC's economy
The growing demand for skilled workers is one reason flexible learning options like micro-certificates are becoming increasingly important. BC expects nearly 1,000,000 job openings by 2033, with about 75 per cent requiring some form of post-secondary education or training (WorkBC Labour Market Outlook). The StrongerBC future skills grant has already covered training costs for over 16,500 learners, saving British Columbians an estimated $40 million (BC Gov News).
50 per cent of employers are reporting that they look for micro-credentials when assessing candidates, according to a 2023 Future Skills Centre survey (Future Skills Centre).
The bottom line is that micro-certificates are removing the two biggest barriers to upskilling: cost and time.
Get started
Ready to take the next step? Explore UBC Extended Learning's micro-certificates and start building the skills to shape your future.