Universities are increasingly embracing digital credentials and microcredentials to recognise a wider range of learning achievements and enhance graduate employability.
However, implementing these credentialing models effectively requires a clear understanding of the institution’s current capabilities, stakeholder expectations and future goals.
A credentialing needs assessment is a strategic process that helps universities identify gaps, prioritise initiatives and align their credentialing efforts with institutional ambitions. This article outlines why such an assessment is important and how to approach it in a practical, impactful way.
What Is a Credentialing Needs Assessment?
A credentialing needs assessment is a structured evaluation of how credentials are currently issued, managed and verified across the university. It considers factors such as academic policies, technology infrastructure, staff readiness and the expectations of external stakeholders.
The outcome is a clear roadmap for introducing or improving digital badges, certificates and microcredentials that meet recognised standards and deliver value to both learners and employers.
Why Credentialing Needs Assessment Matters
Aligning Credentials with Academic and Career Pathways
Credentials must reflect meaningful learning outcomes and be recognised as credible by both students and employers. An assessment helps determine how well existing credentials support academic progression and align with labour market needs.
Identifying Technology and Process Gaps
Older systems may not support scalable, secure credentialing. An assessment highlights where upgrades are needed and whether platforms like Diplomasafe can streamline issuing, management and verification.
Addressing Stakeholder Expectations
Lecturers, students, employers and accreditation bodies often have different needs regarding how credentials are formatted, shared and verified. An assessment ensures these perspectives inform the strategy from the outset.
Ensuring Compliance and Data Protection
Credentialing involves the management of sensitive learner data. A comprehensive assessment ensures all relevant policies and technologies comply with regulations such as GDPR and meet high standards for privacy and data security. Read about Diplomasafe’s policy here.
Key Areas to Assess
- Current credential types and delivery formats
- Issuing and verification processes
- Integration with LMS and student information systems
- User experience for both learners and verifiers
- Data security and privacy management
- Alignment with quality assurance and accreditation frameworks
How to Conduct a Credentialing Needs Assessment
1. Define Scope and Objectives
Clarify which faculties, departments or credential types are in focus. Set clear goals for what the assessment should achieve.
2. Engage Stakeholders
Conduct interviews, surveys or workshops with lecturers, IT teams, administrators, students and relevant external partners to gather insights.
3. Review Existing Systems and Workflows
Evaluate how credentials are currently issued and verified. Identify limitations or inefficiencies in both manual and digital processes.
4. Identify Gaps and Opportunities
Prioritise issues and potential improvements based on impact, feasibility and alignment with institutional goals.
5. Develop Roadmap and Recommendations
Create a phased plan with clear actions for implementing or enhancing credentialing solutions. Include short term wins and long term improvements.
Best practice tips for Universities
- Involve a wide range of stakeholders from the beginning
- Benchmark against peer institutions and sector standards
- Choose technology that is intuitive and user focused
- Ensure scalability and interoperability from day one
- Establish a continuous improvement process with regular reviews
Let us help!
Carrying out a credentialing needs assessment is a vital first step for universities looking to innovate in academic recognition. It provides clarity and direction to implement trusted, effective digital credential programmes that empower learners and reinforce your institution’s reputation.
Diplomasafe offers a secure, scalable platform for issuing, managing and verifying digital credentials. Contact us today to explore how we can support your credentialing goals and provide tailored solutions for your university.