As microcredentials become more imperative for credentialing bodies, creating a successful microcredentialing program requires alignment with workforce skills, robust assessments and a scalable framework that supports both learners and organizational growth.

Moderated by BenchPrep’s Evan Burton, the I.C.E. Exchange session “From Micro to Meaningful: Designing Effective and Engaging Credential-to-Employment Pathways” will investigate an effective framework from the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association.

Presented by Sarah Auerbach, managing director of program operations and client solutions, this session holds many takeaways for organizations looking to launch their own microcredentialing programs. Read Auerbach’s responses below on what attendees will learn from this session.

I.C.E.: What inspired you to explore this topic, and why is it relevant now?

Sarah Auerbach (SA): Credentialing organizations are under pressure to adapt as workforce skills evolve faster than ever. Microcredentials offer a powerful way to stay relevant, but without strategy they risk being fragmented and undervalued. This session was inspired by real-world demand from learners and employers for more flexible, career-aligned learning.

I.C.E.: What are one or two key takeaways you hope attendees leave with?

SA: We have two main takeaways:

1. Attendees will learn how aligning learning objectives, advisory input and workforce relevance can transform microcredentials from surface-level certificates into rigorous, career advancing programs.
2. Attendees will explore how to launch inclusive, discovery-focused programs without compromising quality — while using targeted go-to-market strategies to engage new audiences and deepen member value.

I.C.E.: What’s a common misconception about this topic that you hope to challenge?

SA: That microcredentials are simply “smaller certificates.” In reality, they must be intentionally designed, competency-driven and integrated into a larger career pathway to deliver real impact.

I.C.E.: How do you hope your session influences future conversations or practices in the field?

SA: We hope to shift the conversation on microcredentials as isolated offerings to strategic tools for workforce development and member engagement. Ideally, attendees will walk away ready to embed microcredentials into their credentialing ecosystems in meaningful, measurable ways.

Interested in the session? Register for I.C.E. Exchange today and make sure to mark your calendars for 2:30 p.m. MT on Wednesday, Nov.19