An accredited Micro-credential is a short, focused higher-education learning unit with clearly defined learning outcomes, assessment, and a specified workload (expressed in ECTS: 1 ECTS = 30 hours). It is embedded in a formal quality assurance framework. In other words, it is not just a “nice online course,” but a documented, verifiable component of academic study.

Normal online courses often have no defined level, no formal assessment, and no recognized external quality assurance. A Micro-credential at ETS Online is designed with explicit learning outcomes, assessed work, ECTS workload, and clear documentation. This allows your learning to be transparent, recognizable, and potentially usable toward further academic pathways.

Each Micro-credential targets specific competences in theology, biblical studies, counseling, and ministry-related skills. You can build a portfolio of accredited Micro-credentials that document your ongoing professional and ministry development in a format that institutions, churches, and employers can understand. This creates a structured, evidence-based record of your growth rather than informal participation certificates.

Micro-credentials are designed to be stackable. Within the ETS framework and partnering institutions, specific combinations of accredited Micro-credentials may be recognized toward broader study tracks, where regulations and institutional policies allow. Because they use recognized descriptors such as learning outcomes and ECTS, they can also support recognition of prior learning discussions with other institutions.

Accreditation provides external verification that programs, processes, and outcomes meet agreed standards in higher education and theological education. For Micro-credentials, this includes curriculum design, assessment practices, faculty qualifications, and quality assurance procedures. As a result, an accredited Micro-credential carries a level of trust and legitimacy that purely informal or self-declared courses cannot offer.

ETS Online Micro-credentials are built for a wide range of learners — pastors, church leaders, volunteers, missionaries, laity, and professionals who need academically credible theological training in a flexible, online format. They are also ideal for individuals exploring theological education for the first time. You do not need to commit to a full degree to begin. Each Micro-credential stands on its own and allows you to gain recognized, accredited learning at your own pace. If you later choose to pursue broader qualifications, these stackable Micro-credentials can form a meaningful pathway for progression within the ETS framework.

Most ETS Online Micro-credentials are designed at higher-education level and aligned with EQF/ECE conventions. This means the level of complexity, independence, and critical engagement expected from students corresponds to established European higher education standards. Specific level and workload details are communicated in the course and Micro-credential descriptions.

Each Micro-credential includes defined assessment tasks aligned with its learning outcomes. These may involve written assignments, projects, exams, quizzes, exams, or reflective work, depending on the subject. Only when the required level of achievement is demonstrated are the Micro-credential and associated credits awarded.

The workload is expressed in hours and/or ECTS, according to standard higher-education conventions. This includes online lectures, readings, assignments, and independent study. The exact volume of learning is specified for each Micro-credential so that you can plan realistically alongside your professional and personal responsibilities. 1 ECTS = 30 hours.