Extension Organizational Development (EOD) is excited to launch our new digital badging program with Credly by Pearson. After months of planning, review and feedback from our EOD Advisory Council, and an approved contract through the university, our digital badging program went live on July 1, 2024.

What is a Digital Badge?

Definition: A digital badge is a tangible representation of an individual’s competencies and skills. They are designed to be easily shareable and verifiable, typically containing verifiable data such as the badge earner’s name, the issuing organization, and the criteria met to earn the badge. 

The use of metadata to provide detailed information about skills and competencies makes it easier for organizations to verify credibility and understand the true value of an individual’s qualifications and skills.

When to Use Digital Badges?

Digital badges are applicable in numerous settings where recognition, validation, and skill demonstration are important. Everyday situations or contexts in which digital badges are commonly used include:

• Online Learning and Education: Educational institutions or learning and training providers recognize and reward students for completing modules, projects, or courses.
• Professional Development: Many organizations and associations issue badges to employees or members who complete training programs, attend workshops, or acquire new skills.

Why Use Digital Badges?

Benefits for Issuers (Organizations or Institutions)

• Enhanced Credibility and Reputation: Issuers of digital credentials gain credibility by offering verified and recognized badges, enhancing their reputation.

• Increased Brand Awareness: When students or learners share their digital credentials on social media and other platforms, it serves as organic marketing for you as the issuer, increasing your brand visibility and promoting your programs.

• Drives enrollment: Digital credentials can draw more participants to your programs as they value these shareable, verifiable qualifications for boosting their professional profiles and job prospects.

• Competitive Advantage: Providing digital credentials can differentiate issuers in the market and showcase your commitment to technological innovation while attracting more partners who value credibility.

• Efficient Verification and Cost Savings: Digital credentials streamline the verification process, leading to cost savings. By eliminating the need for physical certificates and transcripts, you can ensure the validity of qualifications while reducing administrative overhead.

• Security: Digital credentials’ robust security features make them tamper-resistant and secure against forgery or alteration, protecting the integrity of the credentialing process.

NC State Extension Digital Badging Program Details

The purpose of our digital badging program is to award digital badges to employees for going above and beyond normal job duties. For example, required training, such as Employee Onboarding, is a requirement for all Extension employees. However, by attending additional professional development training opportunities and increasing job related skills, employees will be recognized for their commitment to professional development and dedication to our organization.

Through our Price per Credential agreement with Credly, our credential allotment is up to 500 digital badges per year. Therefore, we can issue up to 500 digital badges for completion of requirements for each badge.

That being said, during our inaugural year we will begin with the following digital badges:

• Mentor – The Mentor digital badge will be awarded to all current and recent mentors in a mentoring relationship as of January 1, 2024.
• Liles Leadership – The Liles Leadership digital badge will be awarded to employees who attend all four sessions of the new Dr. Richard T. Liles Leadership Seminar Series.
• EFNEP Leader – This badge is awarded to EFNEP Educators who make an effort to consistently support other team members. They serve as a mentor to their colleagues both in their region and across the state. Others can count on them to provide exemplary work and represent the program well. 
• EFNEP Over the Mark – Awarded to EFNEP Educators who meet 5% or more above their target outreach and meet or exceed program impact goals during the performance evaluation year.

Digital Badge Previews

Moving forward, we plan to make digital badges available to all departments and units across Extension to recognize our employees for their commitment to professional development and dedication to Extension.

For more information or questions, contact Dave Herpy, EOD Coordinator at 919-515-3387 or via email djherpy@ncsu.edu.