HomeStudent ResourcesAcademic Records Alternative Digital Credentials

What is an alternative digital credential?

An alternative digital credential (ADC), often referred to as a digital badge, is a fully-digital, information-rich record of professionally relevant skills and competencies needed in the workplace. ADCs provide an alternative way to recognize specific skills not always visible on a traditional educational transcript. An earned ADC occurs through successful completion of qualifying coursework.

ADCs provide a 100% verifiable way for you to share educational achievements, new competencies and workforce readiness with employers, colleagues and others via social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

ADCs are rapidly becoming the new standard to help learners like you highlight your commitment to lifelong learning and distinguish yourself in a competitive job market.

sample badges

What are the benefits of earning an ADC?

By earning a digital badge, you are providing employers with a quick and convenient way to digitally verify your acquired skills and knowledge at a glance. Each ADC connects to a unique website URL that offers a comprehensive description of the learning criteria you have achieved. Employers can also publicly recognize your achievements and add further to your credibility by displaying your credential on the company website.    

More importantly, digital badges provide a unique benefit during job searches because they allow prospective employers to discover qualified employees like you based specifically on your professionally relevant skills and experience. This can assist you in moving one step ahead of the competition during the hiring process.

What can I do with a digital badge?

Once you have earned and claimed your digital badge, you can share this accomplishment with your professional and personal network. Display it on your resume, online portfolio, website, LinkedIn profile, or social media pages.     

How do I earn an ADC?

Badges may be earned by successfully meeting qualifying coursework and skill-based assignments outlined in select eligible DCE courses.    

  1. Enroll into an applicable course. Note: Courses completed prior to the indicated dates are not eligible for a badge.
  2. Within the course, your instructor will provide the earning criteria for the qualifying coursework and assignments required to earn the badge.
  3. Upon successfully meeting qualifying coursework and skill-based assignments, your instructor will provide your information to the DCE Records office, and they will send you an email through Credly to claim your badge. Visit Credly for detailed information on how to accept the badge.  Please allow 2-3 weeks for badges to be processed.

What badges are currently available?

Some course(s) within the programs listed below offer ADCs. Refer to the Earn an Alternative Digital Credential section of each program page for more information.

View all badges on Credly

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