The evolving landscape of education and workforce demands has accelerated the adoption of microcredentials—a flexible, competency-based approach to lifelong learning. Yet, the proliferation of such credentials is hindered by challenges including unstructured frameworks, limited quality assurance, and unreliable verification processes. This paper investigates the potential of blockchain-based verifiable credentials to enhance trust, mobility, and interoperability in microcredentialing systems.

Three primary research questions guide this study: First, how can blockchain technology improve trust, mobility, and interoperability in microcredentialing for lifelong learning? Second, in what ways do blockchain-enabled credentialing systems, such as the FRI Academy platform, mitigate verification complexity and fraud risks? Third, what technical and regulatory barriers must be overcome to implement blockchain-based microcredential systems in vocational training and higher education?

To address these questions, the study analyzes the role of blockchain in ensuring the security and interoperability of digital microcredentials, evaluates how platforms like FRI Academy reduce verification complexities and fraud risks, and identifies the technical and regulatory challenges that impede the widespread adoption of these systems.

At the core of this research is an examination of the conceptual and technical underpinnings of verifiable microcredentials and their capacity to support micro-competences. Micro-credential courses traditionally suffer from a lack of structured frameworks and robust verification mechanisms. By deploying blockchain-based verifiable credentials, certification data can be securely issued, stored, and exchanged in a tamper-proof manner. This decentralized approach not only enhances the credibility of the credentials but also promotes cross-border recognition—a critical factor in the globalized education and labor markets.

Blockchain’s alignment with European initiatives, such as the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), reinforces its potential to standardize and streamline digital credentialing processes. The integration of verifiable credentials and decentralized identifiers within these frameworks upholds the authenticity and interoperability of digital certifications across diverse educational and professional environments.

The paper reviews case studies from projects like EBSI, ESSA, NOO Ultra, and TRUSTCHAIN to illustrate the practical applications of blockchain in higher education, vocational training, and corporate upskilling. These examples show how blockchain minimizes fraud, enhances transparency, and addresses issues such as credential stacking and standardization. A detailed technical evaluation of the FRI Academy platform reveals how a modular system architecture—featuring RESTful APIs, robust encryption, and scalable backend infrastructures—enables verification and secure credential management.

Finally, the paper explores technical and regulatory challenges—ranging from data privacy to the need for standardized credential formats and coherent policy frameworks—and suggests strategies to overcome these obstacles. In doing so, this research contributes to the development of a scalable, secure, and transparent digital certification framework that is well aligned with the evolving needs of lifelong learning and the modern workforce.

Keywords: Education, technology, development, blockchain.