What is the difference between a Key Changes Microcredential and a Transition Course?

The most important difference

A Key Changes Microcredential is an information course. It is not a formal qualification or competency course.

It provides a concise overview of the key changes between the previous and revised editions of a standard. It is ideal if you want to understand what has changed, but it does not update your existing qualification or competency.

If you require the most up-to-date qualification or competency, you will need to complete the appropriate Transition Course.

If you do not meet the prerequisites for the Transition Course, you will generally need to complete the full Specialist Course for the revised standard instead.

Key Changes Microcredential

The Key Changes Microcredential is designed to give you a clear and concise understanding of what has changed in a revised standard.

It may cover changes such as:

• New or revised requirements
• Changes to terminology
• New or amended clauses
• Requirements that have been clarified or expanded
• Key implications of the changes

It is useful for people who want to:

• Quickly understand the main changes in a revised standard
• Keep informed about changes that may affect their work
• Brief colleagues or management on the changes
• Decide whether they need to undertake further training
• Don't require an updated qualification or competency

Is the Key Changes Microcredential a qualification?

No.

The Key Changes Microcredential does not provide an updated qualification, certification or competency unit against the revised edition of the standard.

Completing the Microcredential does not replace a Transition Course where an updated qualification or competency is required.

Transition Course

A Transition Course is designed for people who already hold an eligible qualification or competency against the previous edition of a standard and need to update their qualification to the revised edition.

The course focuses on the changes between the editions in greater detail and provides the training required to update the relevant qualification or competency, subject to the applicable prerequisites and assessment requirements.

A Transition Course may be appropriate if you:

• Already hold an eligible qualification against the previous edition
• Need to maintain an up-to-date qualification or competency
• Need to demonstrate current knowledge of the revised standard
• Need the updated competency for your professional or auditing activities

Do I need a Transition Course if I only want to know what changed?

No.

If you simply want an overview of the changes and do not require an updated qualification or competency, the Key Changes Microcredential may be suitable.

However, if your role, employer, certification requirements or professional activities require you to hold the current qualification or competency, you will need to complete the appropriate Transition Course rather than the Key Changes Microcredential.

What if I don't meet the Transition course prerequisites?

Transition Courses generally require you to hold an eligible qualification or competency against the previous edition of the standard.

If you do not meet those prerequisites, the Transition Course may not be available to you.

In that situation, the Specialist Course for the revised standard is the appropriate pathway.

The Specialist Course provides comprehensive training on the current edition of the standard rather than only covering the changes from the previous edition.

Which course do I need?

In simple terms

Key Changes Microcredential: 'Tell me what changed.'

Transition Course: 'I already have the previous qualification. I need to update it to the revised standard.'

Specialist Course: 'I need the current qualification, but I don't have the previous qualification required for transition.'

If you are unsure which pathway applies to you, check the prerequisites for the relevant course or contact our Customer Service Team for assistance.