UWL digital badges
A page within Microcredentials
What is a digital badge?
A digital badge is a virtual and verifiable credential that represents a skill, achievement, or competency. They contain embedded data about the issuer, the criteria to earn the badge, and other details making them more than just a static image. At UWL, digital badges are available for all non-credit microcredentials.
What happens when I earn a digital badge?
You will receive instructions from the campus office that oversees your microcredential about what to do next – additional information is available in the FAQ below. You will receive an email from Parchment on behalf of UWL that contains a link to access your badge.
How do I share my digital badge?
There are lots of options! You can share a link in a social media post, add a clickable badge image to LinkedIn, or list your badges in an ePortfolio. However you share them, your badges will always link back to the page that summarizes and verifies how you earned the microcredential.
Do you have more questions?
Check out the FAQ below, or email Professional Education Program Specialist Amber Miller-Adamany.
UWL Digital Badge FAQ
What happens when a digital badge is issued?
Once all requirements have been met, the digital badge is issued on behalf of UWL through Parchment. The learner receives an automated email notification indicating that a new microcredential is available.
What will the email look like and who sends it?
The email is sent by Parchment on behalf of UWL. It includes:
- The name of the badge and issuing institution (i.e., UWL)
- A secure link to view and claim the microcredential
- Instructions for accessing the microcredential through a Parchment account
The email is informational and does not require payment or additional action beyond claiming the microcredential.
Do learners need a Parchment account to receive a badge?
Yes. To access and manage a digital badge, the recipient must either:
- Log in to an existing Parchment account, or
- Create a free Parchment account using the email address where the notification was received
This account becomes the learner’s long-term microcredential wallet.
What does the learner see after clicking the link?
After logging in, the learner is taken to their Parchment microcredential dashboard, where they can:
- View the digital badge and its full metadata
- See the issuing institution and issuance date
- Review criteria and any attached evidence
- Generate a public verification link for sharing
The badge is immediately active once claimed.
Is the badge accepted automatically?
Badges do not require manual acceptance. Once claimed, the microcredential is stored in the learner’s account and available for use. The learner controls visibility and sharing settings.
Can learners download or share the badge right away?
Yes. From the microcredential dashboard, learners can:
- Share a secure verification link
- Add the badge to LinkedIn or an ePortfolio
- Download a certificate or microcredential summary (when enabled)
Shared badges always link back to Parchment’s verification page.
What if a learner misses or deletes the email?
If the email is missed or deleted, the microcredential remains available in the learner’s Parchment account. Learners can log in directly to Parchment to view all issued microcredentials associated with their account.
Will learners receive multiple emails if they earn multiple badges?
Yes. Each issued badge generates its own notification email. All microcredentials are consolidated within the learner’s single Parchment account for centralized access.
What support is available if a learner has trouble accessing a badge?
Parchment provides learner support for account access issues, while UWL Graduate and Extended Learning is responsible for questions related to badge eligibility or issuance timing.
What data standards do Parchment digital badges follow?
Parchment digital badges align with industry-recognized digital microcredential standards (such as Open Badges — compliant metadata). This ensures microcredentials are portable, interoperable, and machine-readable across platforms and systems.
How is badge authenticity verified?
Verification occurs through a secure, persistent microcredential URL. When accessed, the system confirms the microcredential:
- Was issued by the named institution
- Has not been modified or revoked
- Status is current (active, expired, or revoked)
No login or Parchment account is required for third-party verification
Can digital badges be revoked or updated?
Yes. Issuers retain administrative control and may revoke badges in cases such as data errors or policy changes. Revocation status is immediately reflected in the microcredential’s verification view. Issued badges themselves remain immutable, but their status can be updated.
How are digital badges stored and accessed by recipients?
Issued badges are stored in the recipient’s secure Parchment microcredential wallet. Learners can access their microcredentials indefinitely and generate shareable links or exports without requiring institutional intervention.
What happens if a learner changes institutions or email addresses?
Microcredentials are associated with the individual’s Parchment account, not a single institutional email address. Learners can update contact information while retaining access to previously issued microcredentials.
How does Parchment support long-term microcredential persistence?
Parchment maintains long-term microcredential hosting and verification, ensuring that issued badges remain accessible and verifiable even if institutional systems or local platforms change.