In response to a worsening global skills shortage which is already disrupting economies, governments and institutions have embraced microcredentials. Intended as short (hour and weeks rather than months and years), competency-based driven by the skills needed by employers, the market is now awash with short courses claiming to be microcredentials. The result is a market swamped with courses and market confusion. This paper outlines the opportunity, the challenges and the missteps in this fast-emerging market and suggests a probable future.