Your guide to the world of digital credentials.

About Us

Learning is changing. Skills evolve faster than degrees can keep up. Digital credentials are reshaping how achievements get recognized, shared and verified — and we're here to help you make sense of it all.
Best Digital Credentials is an independent media covering the platforms, standards and ideas behind the credentialing revolution.

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Digital credentials are verifiable, portable records of skills, achievements or qualifications — issued as digital badges, certificates or verifiable credentials following open standards like Open Badges 3.0 and W3C Verifiable Credentials. They're used by universities, employers, online learning platforms and professional associations to recognize learning beyond traditional degrees.

What we do

Best Digital Credentials covers the platforms, standards and organizations shaping how skills are recognized in the digital age. We review tools like Credly, Accredible, POK Proof of knowledge,  Sertifier, and others; we track standards from 1EdTech (formerly IMS Global) and the W3C; and we follow how universities, bootcamps and enterprises are adopting them.

Our reviews are independent and research-driven. We test platforms hands-on, compare them by criteria that matter — pricing, standards compliance, integrations, verification — and we don't accept paid placements.

Our Focus Areas

How do digital credentialing platforms compare?

Side-by-side reviews of leading platforms — Credly, Accredible, POK Proof of Knowledge, Sertifier and more — covering pricing, features, standards compliance and integrations.

What's new in digital credentials?

Coverage of trends, standards updates and technologies — from Open Badges 3.0 to verifiable credentials, LERs and the role of blockchain in credential verification.

How are digital credentials being used?

Guides, case studies and interviews showing how universities, bootcamps, employers and certifying bodies are putting digital credentials to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a digital credential?

A digital credential is a verifiable, portable record of a skill, achievement or qualification, issued in digital form. Common formats include digital badges (Open Badges 3.0), digital certificates and W3C Verifiable Credentials.

What's the difference between a digital badge and a digital certificate?

A digital badge is typically a smaller, skill-level recognition with embedded metadata about the issuer and criteria. A digital certificate is usually a more formal document recognizing completion of a course or program. Both can be issued as verifiable digital credentials.

Are digital credentials recognized by employers?

Adoption is growing rapidly. Major employers across technology, retail and professional services issue and accept digital credentials for hiring and internal mobility. Recognition varies by industry and region.

What are the main digital credentialing platforms?

Leading platforms include Credly, Accredible, POK Proof of Knowledge, Sertifier, and Canvas Credentials. Each has different strengths in pricing, integrations and standards support

What standards govern digital credentials?

The two main open standards are Open Badges (currently version 3.0, maintained by 1EdTech) and W3C Verifiable Credentials. Both ensure credentials are portable and verifiable across platforms.

Who is Best Digital Credentials?

We're an independent publication covering digital credentials, badges and verifiable credentialing platforms. We review tools, track industry news and publish guides for educators, professionals and organizations adopting digital credentials.