Demand for Microcredentials Rises in Mexico: Coursera

Skill-based hiring is rapidly gaining ground in Mexico, with 92% of employers adopting or exploring this approach to address talent shortages, according to Coursera’s 2025 Impact of Microcredentials Report. The study reveals that 84% of Mexican employers are already hiring candidates with microcredentials, signaling a shift toward prioritizing verifiable skills over traditional qualifications.

“Microcredentials certify skills or competencies as students advance through their education programs,” says Anabella Laya, CEO and Founder, Acreditta, to MBN. “This way, they do not need to wait four years for a formal university credential to prove their abilities.”

The report, based on data from over 2,000 employers and students globally, highlights the growing importance of microcredentials in shaping the workforce. In Mexico, employers are even offering higher starting salaries to candidates with these credentials, says Coursera. Additionally, 90% of employers who have hired candidates with microcredentials report significant savings in training costs during the first year, with some seeing reductions of up to 20%.

This shift is aligned with the increasing focus of Mexican universities on skills-based education. “With the rapid evolution of jobs and rising demands, Mexican employers want graduates to be ready for the job market on day one. Microcredentials have become an effective and reliable solution, equipping students with practical skills and providing verifiable proof of their capabilities,” says Marni Baker, Chief Content Officer, Coursera.

Both employers and students agree that universities need to integrate microcredentials more closely with industry needs, especially in fields like Generative AI, says Coursera. "Technology is advancing so fast that education systems risk becoming obsolete if they do not adapt to societal needs," says Erik Porras, National MBA Director at EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey.

This demand reflects the growing need for specialized knowledge to drive business success. Furthermore, many employers in Mexico see Generative AI skills as providing a strategic advantage for their organizations. In 2024, enrollment in Generative AI courses in Mexico quadrupled, reaching 68,000 registrations and positioning the country as the eighth-largest market for Generative AI education globally, ahead of Brazil. 

The adoption of microcredentials is also influencing workforce training in Mexico. Nearly 90% of employers are willing to use microcredentials for upskilling their current workforce, and 94% prefer candidates with credentials offering academic credits, says Coursera. 

As the nature of work continues to evolve, microcredentials can be a key solution for addressing talent shortages and ensuring workers are prepared for the demands of the modern economy.