The Principality of Andorra has published a Code of Good Practice for Microcredentials Delivered by Higher Education Institutions, marking an important step in the implementation of the commitments adopted within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) related to flexible learning pathways and lifelong learning. The initiative aligns with the Bologna Process priorities expressed in the Rome Communiqué (2020) and the Tirana Communiqué (2024), which encourage the development of national approaches to microcredentials.
The decision of choosing the status of a Code of Good Practice was taken considering that higher education institutions are the competent authority for lifelong learning programmes and with the intention to have a consensus-based document.
The Code was developed and agreed collaboratively during the 2025–2026 academic year by a working group bringing together the Ministry of Institutional Relations, Education and Universities of Andorra, the Andorran Higher Education Quality Agency (AQUA), and the higher education institutions legally established in the country. Each meeting was an opportunity to gather the stakeholders’ opinion on the relevant points of the Code of Good Practice.
The document defines a microcredential as a short learning experience of between 1 and 20 ECTS credits, described through learning outcomes, assessed by professors, quality assured through the institution’s internal quality system, and delivered by a higher education institution. The definition is aligned with key European references, including the Council Recommendation of 16 June 2022 on a European approach to microcredentials, the Microbol project, BFUG thematic peer group reports, and UNESCO guidance.
The Code highlights the role of microcredentials in supporting employability, upskilling and reskilling, as well as responding to rapidly evolving labour market and societal needs. It also emphasises flexibility in delivery modes — including face-to-face, blended and online learning — and promotes cooperation between higher education institutions, employers, public authorities and civil society organisations.
The document is conceived as a transparent tool that helps higher education institutions, learners, employers and public authorities clearly understand the nature, quality and purpose of microcredentials in Andorra. By establishing common standards, the document enhances trust, comparability and recognition of microcredentials both nationally and internationally.
The Code also highlights the strategic role that microcredentials can play in the recognition of prior learning in view of continuing accredited programmes. Microcredentials may be stacked as building blocks that can be recognised within formal education pathways.
The Code of Good Practice is intended to be a living and evolving tool capable of adapting to future developments in higher education, labour market needs and European policy priorities. Recognising the rapidly changing nature of lifelong learning and microcredential ecosystems, the document explicitly foresees the possibility of revision whenever substantial improvements or updates are considered necessary.
Through this initiative, Andorra reinforces its commitment to the EHEA objectives of inclusive, flexible and high-quality higher education systems, while fostering innovation in lifelong learning and skills development.
Explore the document here.