Frequently Asked Questions

A micro-credential is an official recognition of the skills, knowledge, and competencies you've worked hard to build. Unlike traditional academic programs, micro-credentials are designed around your life — whether your learning came from a workshop, on-the-job experience, volunteer work, or formal education, we recognize it. They're flexible, ranging from 5 to 288 hours, and your credential is fully digital, portable, and verifiable — something you can take with you wherever your career leads. 

These programs are open to anyone. There are no formal admission requirements, though we do recommend reviewing the suggested prerequisites on your chosen micro-credential's page to make sure you're set up for success. 

No degree or diploma is required. That said, you should feel comfortable with the subject matter going in, since assessments are designed to reflect real, applied knowledge. Check the recommended requirements on the course page to get a sense of whether you're ready to dive in. 

As an engineer looking to grow into leadership, staying current isn't optional — it's essential. Micro-credentials let you build the exact skills the workforce is asking for, quickly and affordably, without putting your career or life on pause. They're a smart, targeted investment in where you're headed. 

They help you stand out. Whether you're deepening your expertise, pivoting toward a leadership track, or demonstrating initiative to your organization, a micro-credential is a concrete, credible signal that you're investing in your own growth. Short, focused, and immediately applicable — it's learning that works for ambitious professionals. 

Absolutely — that's exactly what they're designed for. Micro-credentials are intentionally shorter than traditional courses, and many are self-paced so you can fit learning into your schedule. Check the specific course page for start dates, end dates, and format details. 

It depends on the format. Asynchronous courses are self-directed, but you'll have access to dedicated program support staff throughout, and a University of Toronto expert will personally review your assignments. Synchronous courses include a U of T instructor who'll guide your learning and assess your work directly. Either way, you're not on your own. 

The ISTEP Professional Learning team is here for you every step of the way. You can e-mail us at: istep.professional@utoronto.ca. 

Registration is straightforward and open to all eligible participants: 

• Register online through the respective program page.
• Full payment is required at the time of registration 
• Enrollment is first-come, first-served 

Once your application and payment are submitted, you'll receive an automatic confirmation. Program details and next steps will be sent to you by email before your session begins. 

Full payment is due at the time of registration and can be made by credit card during the application process. We don't accept cheque payments. All prices are in Canadian dollars and may be subject to applicable taxes. 

We understand that plans can change. Here's how our policy works:  

• More than 6 business days before the course start date: Full 100% refund  
• Less than 6 business days before the course start date: Refunds are not available. 

To request a cancellation or refund, email us at istep.professional@utoronto.ca.  

Your program will be delivered through Quercus, the University of Toronto's official learning platform. After you register, we'll send you your login credentials and clear instructions to get started. 

At the University of Toronto, our goal is to create a community that is inclusive of all persons and treats every member with equity, dignity, and mutual respect. We aim to foster a climate of understanding that honours the worth of every individual. 

In working toward this goal, we are committed to supporting and facilitating access to accommodations for individuals with disabilities — so that all participants can engage with the same opportunities, take part in the full range of program activities, and achieve their full potential as members of our community. 

For more information or to discuss your accommodation needs, please contact ISTEP Professional Learning at the time of registration or as soon as possible at istep.professional@utoronto.ca. 

Yes! Our programs are fully online. Asynchronous micro-credentials are self-paced, so you can complete them from anywhere in the world, on your own schedule, regardless of time zone. 

A guided self-paced program gives you the flexibility to work through modules, tasks, and assignments on your own timeline within a set window. A U of T expert will review and provide personalized feedback on your work, and our support team is available whenever you need them. 

Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis for special circumstances. If you find yourself needing more time, reach out to us at istep.professional@utoronto.ca and we'll work with you. 

Upon successful completion, you'll receive a digital Recognition of Achievement — a verifiable, shareable credential you can add to your professional profile. Please note that this is a not-for-credit program; it does not count toward a University of Toronto degree and will not appear on an academic transcript. It is intentionally designed to deliver practical, workplace-ready skills rather than academic credit. 

Once you've successfully completed the program, you'll receive an email with your Recognition of Achievement. You can download it as a PDF or share it directly to LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook — a great way to signal your growing leadership capabilities to your network. 

Yes — for organizations looking to upskill a team, we offer group pricing with a minimum enrollment of 15 participants. Reach out to Norris Ma, ISTEP Business Development & External Partnerships, at norris.ma@utoronto.ca for more details. 

If your micro-credential is eligible, we'll issue a tax receipt based on the year your course ends. For example, if your course runs from October 13, 2026 to January 13, 2027, your tax receipt will be issued in 2028 for the 2027 tax year. Tax receipts are typically sent out in late February. To receive one, you'll need to provide your SIN number during the application process.