The Common Microcredential Framework

What is the Common Microcredential Framework?

The Common Microcredential Framework (CMF) is developed by the European MOOC Consortium consisting of FutureLearn (UK), FUN (France), MiríadaX (Spain and IberoAmerica), EduOpen (Italy), and OpenupEd/ the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU)

These partners represent most of the MOOC development work in Europe in terms of learners and number of MOOCs, together offering almost 3,000 MOOCs. They represent a large network of 400 higher education institutions (HEIs) working in a variety of European languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

The Common Microcredential Framework (CMF) uses the European Qualification Framework (and other national qualification frameworks of recognised universities) to provide high-quality courses that award academic credit. The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a common European reference framework whose purpose is to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. 

What are the requirements of the CMF?

To meet the requirements of the CMF, microcredentials must meet the following specifications:

• Has a total workload (or study time) of 100-150 hours, including revision for, and completion of, the summative assessment.
• Be levelled at Levels 6-7 in the European Qualification Framework or the equivalent levels in the university’s national qualification framework, or be levelled at Levels 4-5 and fulfil the criteria of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.
• Provides a summative assessment that awards academic credit, either directly following successful completion of the microcredential or via recognition of prior learning upon enrolment as a student on a university’s course of study.
• Uses a reliable method of ID verification at the point of assessment that complies with the recognised university’s policies and/or is widely adopted across the platforms authorised to use the CMF.
• Provides a transcript that sets out the learning outcomes for a microcredential, total study hours required, EQF level, and number of credit points earned.

What is the purpose of the CMF?

The CMF aims to encourage the development of qualifications that will better meet the needs of modern learners anywhere in the world. The framework helps you gain knowledge and skills at a higher education level in smaller units, delivered in a way that fits around your lifestyle and tailored to meet your interests and needs. It also allows for learning to be recognised towards formal qualifications in a seamless way.