For many associations, the challenge of diversifying revenue beyond membership dues remains a top priority. While dues traditionally form the financial foundation, providing access to core benefits, today's dynamic landscape demands a more robust approach. More than 65% of associations cite generating non-dues revenue as their biggest challenge.
Front-loaded education is no longer enough. In a fast-paced, skills-driven economy, learners expect continuing education to be flexible, practical, and aligned with real-world outcomes. Meanwhile, associations and other learning businesses face intensifying pressure to remain competitive amidst rising learner expectations, increased market competition, and shifting industry norms.
Research shows that students with high test anxiety score 12 to 15 percentile points lower than their peers. Not because they know less, but because the stress of the exam environment gets in the way.
For a long time, preparing for high-stakes exams meant following a rigid routine: reviewing content, taking a couple of practice tests, and hoping you covered what mattered. It worked, but barely. Today, expectations are higher, learners are busier, and the one-size-fits-all approach no longer cuts it.
When credentialing organizations look to scale globally, accessibility can be the Achilles' heel of success. Infrastructure limitations, affordability issues, and unequal access to high-quality learning support too often translate into regional disparities in exam outcomes. But what if these barriers could be broken—not just mitigated, but transformed—through smart, scalable digital learning?
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving workforce needs, professional learning is undergoing a transformative shift. One of the most significant developments in this space is the rise of microcredentials—compact, skills-based certifications that offer timely, relevant, and demonstrable learning outcomes. As highlighted in a recent webinar, in collaboration with BadgeCert, the shift is not just about innovation; it’s a redefinition of how we validate, share, and advance our professional competencies.
