CSA TS-003:26

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Preface This is the first edition of CSA TS-003, Canadian framework for microcredential metadata . The purpose of this Technical Specification (referred to as "this Document" from here on) is to provide a framework for the creation and management of metadata for microcredentials and the associated educational offerings in Canada. It is designed to support metadata that is consistent, transparent, and interoperable across different systems and organizations to benefit potential learners and employers. This Document is not a consensus product; that is, it is not a Standard and it has not been formally reviewed or approved by a CSA Technical Committee. This Document contains recommendations regarding required and optional metadata elements to be provided for a microcredential offering at point of purchase and, upon completion of the microcredential, by the Working Group on Microcredential Metadata, and it has been reviewed by external subject matter experts as part of the public review process. Scope 1.1 General This Document supports the creation, implementation, and governance of microcredentials that adhere to a common standard. It applies to all entities involved in developing microcredential offerings, issuing microcredentials, and conducting associated management or governance. The scope of this Document includes required metadata elements that are sometimes referred to as "core" and optional metadata elements that are sometimes referred to as "supplementary" or "recommended". This framework aims to increase reliability and value for end users by supporting consistency and transparency in how microcredential offerings are created, described, and used. It also supports interoperability by providing standardized elements and structures. 1.2 Inclusions This Document applies to any organization creating, delivering and issuing microcredentials, referred to in this Document as "providers". Providers include education and training organizations, Indigenous-led organizations, social and community partners, employers and industry, professional associations, public employment services, and other types of actors in formal and informal education and training settings. 1.3 Exclusions This Document does not mandate or recommend specific technologies or platforms for implementation. This Document focuses on metadata that might influence developmental design aspects; however, its scope does not include the evaluation, quality assurance, or accreditation of microcredential offerings. 1.4 Terminology In this Document, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Document; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Document. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application