A digital badge is a verified digital record of an individual’s skills and achievements, serving as a tangible representation of competencies and expertise. Digital badges are designed to be easily shareable and verifiable, containing important data — including the issuing organization and the courses completed.

These badges provide portable, stackable proof of competency, documenting specific skills gained through learning. They enhance marketability in the employment landscape, offering a clear, accessible way to showcase achievements.

Oregon State employees and learners enrolled in noncredit courses, trainings or professional development opportunities offered by participating OSU units can earn badges. Some badge types are reserved for employees only.

Each badge has defined earning criteria, which may include completing a course, participating in a training or being recognized for service. Earning criteria are determined by the issuing unit.

Credit-bearing badges are tied to academic coursework. Noncredit badges are earned through workshops, trainings, continuing education or service. This site supports noncredit badges only. If you are interested in credit-bearing credentials, explore OSU’s microcredential offerings.

OSU offers the following three categories of noncredit badges:

• Professional development for assessed, skills-based learning.
• Completion and participation for active participation in events or trainings.
• Service and recognition for OSU employees who’ve made exceptional contributions.

Each badge type follows specific criteria, including:

• Learning assessments (for professional development badges)
• Attendance or participation verification (for completion and participation badges)
• Clear recognition criteria (for service and recognition badges)

Yes. Units may classify a badge as foundational, intermediate or advanced when appropriate. Each level must have distinct learning outcomes and criteria.

Once your badge is issued, you’ll receive an email from Credly — Oregon State’s official badge platform — with instructions on how to accept and share it.

Badges can be added to:

• Your LinkedIn profile
• Your résumé or CV
• Your email signature
• A digital portfolio

Visit our sharing your badge webpage for more details.

Most noncredit badges are permanent, but some (e.g., compliance-related badges) may have expiration dates. The issuing unit will specify these details.

Any college, division or unit can issue noncredit digital badges. Each unit must designate a primary badge contact and complete the participation form.

Here’s a simplified process:

1. Complete the participation form and submit payment.
2. The Alternative Credentials Unit will provide a badge for program use during the pilot phase.
3. Submit badge metadata via the centralized Badge Submission Form.
4. The Alternative Credentials Unit will review, publish and provide you with issuer access in Credly.

Learn more on the resources and training webpage.

Badge visual elements (color, shape, line breaks) follow OSU’s noncredit badging brand standards. Units cannot customize the badge design. During the pilot phase, the Division of Educational Ventures team will develop the badge. In the future, issuing units will need to leverage a university-wide template.

No. OSU’s Alternative Credentials Unit will handle badge publishing in Credly. Issuers only need to issue badges.

Yes. Credly allows units to see how many badges have been issued, accepted and shared. More advanced analytics may be available through coordination with the ACU.

Digital badges support OSU’s mission to provide career-connected learning pathways for modern learners. Noncredit badges:

• Recognize achievements beyond traditional degrees.
• Help OSU employees grow professionally.
• Offer learners portable, employer-visible credentials.

Yes. Participating units pay a $1,000 annual fee for unlimited badge issuance. This covers platform licensing and centralized support.

The Alternative Credentials Unit:

• Reviews all badge proposals and metadata.
• Provides branded badge design.
• Partners with University Human Resources and University Information and Technology to evaluate badge performance.