Professional development is more important than ever in today’s business environment. Leaders and organisations across the spectrum are are looking for ways to mark their professional growth.
One of the most effective ways to showcase any recognition or new skill is a digital badge to illustrate and validate any accomplishments, training and work.
What is a digital badge?
A digital badge is an electronic icon that serves as a form of recognition for a person’s skills and knowledge. It serves both as an effortless way for the earners to validate their accomplishments and for (potential and present) employers or clients to find out and verify the earners’ competencies.
Digital badges aren’t only for professionals; brands too can receive digital badges from credible third-party organisations for outstanding products and services in their respective industries.
We tout our own badges on our LinkedIn cover image
Digital badges are the online counterparts of the age-old physical badges and trophies. If you’re wondering how a digital badge compares to a physical trophy, both are remarkably similar in that they visually communicate the earner’s abilities.
However, digital badges are a step ahead because they can be verified online in real-time. Also, they can be shared on multiple online platforms for others to see.
Digital badges are different than digital certificates. For one, badges are less formal than a certicate, yet more versatile. While both are considered “digital credentials,” a badge provides an easy way for recipients to share recognition and competencies across websites, LinkedIn and more.
Popular examples of digital badges today for professionals and brands include AWS digital badges, LinkedIn digital badges, digital badges from HubSpot, G2, Capterra and more.
How do digital badges work?
Digital badges are created by the issuing organisation—usually a highly credible third party in a relevant space. The badge can be issued for the completion of a course or a particular accomplishment. When designing the badge, the organisation might include the following:
- Name of the issuing organisation
- Description of the skill acquired
- Name of the recipient
- Date of issuance
- Expiration date
- Course information, rubrics and standards adhered to
- Link to more relevant information
Upon the fulfilment of the prerequisite conditions, the issuing organisation then issues the badge to the earner through a specific platform – usually their website. Normally, the recipient of the digital badge will receive additional notifications in the form of emails, informing them of how to access the credential.
The digital badge can then be shared on various platforms by the earner.
The benefits of digital badges
With all the buzz about this type of digital credential, the big question is “Are digital badges worth it?”. And the answer is an emphatic “yes”. Digital badges have proven to be immensely beneficial to earners, their colleagues, employers/clients and product users alike. Let’s consider the value of digital badges.
A major advantage of digital badges is that they distinguish their earners and help them rise above the noise in the professional space. The instant digitised display of their accomplishment and competency validates their expertise in the industry. Interestingly, this points to another upside of digital badges – convenience. They’re an easy way for professionals to record, save and announce their accomplishments online.
Likewise, digital badges are a hassle-free means for employers, clients, peers and screening organisations to check and verify the earner’s qualification with a single click. This effortless authentication further erases the risk of forgery and protects the integrity of the achievement. Such a credential helps organisations ensure that a professional possesses the skills necessary to excel in the relevant role.
The issuing organisations also reap a world of benefits from the digital badges; they enjoy enhanced organic branding and marketing when the earners share the badges online and talk about their achievements. Also, through the sharing and clicking of the badges, the issuing organisations can gather data about the reach and impact of their certification programs.
Additionally, digital badges can be a good source of revenue for issuing organisations if they offer their courses and certifications for a fee. In the same vein, they erase the need for mailing expenses and delivery concerns that arise in the case of physical badges and certificates.
Companies might want to create and award digital badges to employees who hit milestones. This will bring recognition and open doors and, in turn, serve as a source of motivation for the rest of the organisation’s workforce, resulting in enhanced efficiency and productivity.
How to create a digital badge
Digital badges symbolise a qualification or accomplishment. So, the journey to the creation of a digital badge usually begins with the creation of a course or course or an awards or recognition program. Participants who complete the course or are chosen in the awards or recognition program will receive a badge.
Digital badges can be created using digital badge platforms like Accredible, Badgr and Credly. Or it can be created easily in a design platform like Canva. If you run an awards program, its badge can be uploaded and distributed automatically through Award Force.
Various ways to use digital badges
Digital badges, as mentioned above, can be used in a variety of ways. Let’s consider a few examples.
Websites
Websites are excellent platforms for earners to display their digital badges. Both individuals in the professional space and brands can use their digital badges this way. Embedding the digital badge on their homepage immediately communicates to site visitors (potential clients and product users) that the organisation has been certified by a credible third-party source.
Social networks
Digital badges can also be used on social media. Upon receiving the credential, the recipients can simply share the fact that they’ve completed a course and received the digital badge. This message could be followed up with a link to a page showing the digital badge.
Other ways to use them on social media channels include adding digital badges to one’s header image or background cover photo. Also, recipients can add digital badges to their LinkedIn accounts by filling out the certification section with the relevant details.
Emails are another way for professionals and brands to use their digital badges. By adding digital badges to their email signatures, they can quickly notify prospects, employers, clients and their community about their latest accomplishments and qualifications.
Digital resumes and credential portfolios
Professionals can also beef up their CVs with their digital badges; when applying for jobs, they can submit a digital resume containing the digital badges. Similarly, digital badges can be added to a credential portfolio showing different credentials that demonstrate the owner’s experience and expertise.
Online awards galleries
For awards programs looking to highlight shortlisted or winning entries, digital badges can be used to distinguish standout entries. In Award Force, for example, it’s easy to mark winning or shortlisted entries with different styles of badges.
Digital badges are incredibly versatile and essential in the professional space.
From helping employees share achievements and new skills to organisations wanting to share recognition, digital badges have proven to be highly beneficial to the various parties involved.