Terminology & Definitions

Digital badges are digital credentials earned through engagement or by demonstrating a skill. They consist of an image and metadata, are aligned with the Open Badge standard, belong to the earner, and are shareable on social media platforms, resumes, and e-portfolios.

The Digital Badging Review Committee will use the following definitions and terminology to describe our activities:

Term	Definition
Credential	Recognition of academic or professional achievement by a third party (not self-reported). Certificates, and Certifications are different types of credentials. See resource.
Digital credential	Verifiable, portable, data-rich representation of a credential earned, created in alignment with Open Badge Standard. These are commonly referred to as "digital badges." Also, this includes the graphic representation and metadata.
Digital badge	See above –another name for digital credential.
Badge template	The raw, un-issued version of the credential. Comprised of the metadata + image file.
Certificate	Validation of a completed learning path and corresponding assessment.
Certification	Industry recognized credential proving mastery of certain skills/competencies. Certifications may be internal or external. The distinguishing point is often whether the industry recognizes the certification, and it is available externally. Certifications typically require renewal as they have the ability to expire.
Knowledge	Awareness of a concept.
Skill	Ability to perform a certain task or use certain tools.
Competency	Ability to perform a role or apply certain strategies (competencies typically encompass numerous skills).
Assessment	Measurement of ability; test or performance based.
Evaluation	Making a judgment about data (for example, about the effectiveness of a program based on engagement statistics).
No-stakes credential	Experience or participation-based; no assessment or bearing on future opportunities .
Low-stakes credential	Completion with "lite" assessment. This could include an informal assessment of prior learning. Unlimited retakes with the purpose of checking one’s own knowledge.
Mid-stakes credential	Assessed through test or demonstration, validating skill/competency. Limited number of retakes. Could include supervision and observation.
High-stakes credential	Assessed through a psychometrically sound test or demonstration. Set time limit, limited number of retakes within a set timeframe (e.g. quarterly or annually). Validates skill/competency; potentially impacts future opportunities. Usually considered "industry standard."
Metadata	Structured information captured within a digital credential that describes achievement information such as criteria and outcomes, along with information about who earned the credential, when, and according to whom.

Terminology & Definitions

Term	Definition
Credential	Recognition of academic or professional achievement by a third party (not self-reported). Certificates, and Certifications are different types of credentials. See resource.
Digital credential	Verifiable, portable, data-rich representation of a credential earned, created in alignment with Open Badge Standard. These are commonly referred to as "digital badges." Also, this includes the graphic representation and metadata.
Digital badge	See above –another name for digital credential.
Badge template	The raw, un-issued version of the credential. Comprised of the metadata + image file.
Certificate	Validation of a completed learning path and corresponding assessment.
Certification	Industry recognized credential proving mastery of certain skills/competencies. Certifications may be internal or external. The distinguishing point is often whether the industry recognizes the certification, and it is available externally. Certifications typically require renewal as they have the ability to expire.
Knowledge	Awareness of a concept.
Skill	Ability to perform a certain task or use certain tools.
Competency	Ability to perform a role or apply certain strategies (competencies typically encompass numerous skills).
Assessment	Measurement of ability; test or performance based.
Evaluation	Making a judgment about data (for example, about the effectiveness of a program based on engagement statistics).
No-stakes credential	Experience or participation-based; no assessment or bearing on future opportunities .
Low-stakes credential	Completion with "lite" assessment. This could include an informal assessment of prior learning. Unlimited retakes with the purpose of checking one’s own knowledge.
Mid-stakes credential	Assessed through test or demonstration, validating skill/competency. Limited number of retakes. Could include supervision and observation.
High-stakes credential	Assessed through a psychometrically sound test or demonstration. Set time limit, limited number of retakes within a set timeframe (e.g. quarterly or annually). Validates skill/competency; potentially impacts future opportunities. Usually considered "industry standard."
Metadata	Structured information captured within a digital credential that describes achievement information such as criteria and outcomes, along with information about who earned the credential, when, and according to whom.