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Research Report

5 of Your Most Common Questions About Badges, Answered

Lauren Edmonds, Senior Director, Research Development

To help address the most common questions about flexible-format credentials, we’ve gathered five popular requests to learn more about badges.

COE leaders demonstrate an interest in flexible-format credentials for future program development efforts. Since 2015, we have had nearly 600 incoming research requests on alternative and short-format credentials. Despite the availability of numerous credentials, many members seek advice on badges.

To help address the most common questions, we’ve gathered five popular requests to learn more about badges.

1. How do badges differ from other alternative credentials?

Badges have two key characteristics that make them different from the larger portfolio of alternative credentials:

They focus on singular skills and competencies, such as communication, collaboration, and writing. They primarily exist in a digital format. Badges are meant to be easily shared on digital platforms to display and endorse students’ abilities.

Badges attempt to solve a problem that adults seeking employment or promotion tend to face: The need for short, concrete, and skill-based programs. If a candidate applies for a job and needs a specific skill, they may want to earn a credential that displays mastery of a skill quickly. Once employed, professionals must continuously develop their skills in response to technological advancement. If successful, badges allow professionals to learn a skill quickly and display it on their resume without investing in lengthy or costly degree programs.

2. What are the common structural elements of badges (i.e., cost, time to completion)?

The lack of universal or accepted definition of badges results in a range of structures. Institutions may choose to award badges to articulate the skills gained within existing coursework and therefore award badges at no fee beyond typical tuition rates. Badges offered through university partnerships or vendors may charge a fee, such as the $25 assessment fee to earn a badge…

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