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Welcome to the International Council on Badges and Credentials [ICoBC]. Join us in our movement to
Contributing to a world where every learner’s journey is digitally celebrated, valued, and interconnected.

Join our upcoming events & activities:

ICoBC and the Union of International Associations (UIA) are co-organizing an Online Masterclass on Future-Proofing International Associations in May 2024. The Masterclass focuses on emerging business models, digital credentialing, knowledge dissemination, and eAssessment. The Masterclass provides a unique opportunity for international associations to learn from senior experts and develop the necessary skills to adapt and evolve in today’s rapidly changing world.

The Masterclass consists of four sessions, each taught by experts from renowned organizations such as LinkedIn, the World Steel Association, and the e-Assessment Association. The sessions cover emerging business models, digital credentialing, knowledge dissemination, and eAssessment. By staying ahead of the curve, international associations can remain relevant and meet the needs of their members – today and tomorrow. Registration is now open.

One of the most promising innovations in education and learning is the use of digital badges such as Open Badges and (micro-)credentials to recognize and validate the skills and competencies of learners. This is especially relevant for Africa, where many learners face obstacles to access formal education or need to showcase their abilities and achievements in a local or global market. Digital badges and (micro-)credentials can provide learners with more flexibility, personalization, and recognition of their learning pathways. They can also help employers and educators to assess and verify the quality and relevance of the learning outcomes.

If you want to explore more about the opportunities and challenges of implementing digital badges and (micro-)credentials in Africa, you are welcome to join the International Council on Badges and Credentials (ICoBC) at the eLearning Africa from 29 – 31 May, 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.

At the eLearning Africa, there will be a series of sessions, workshops, and networking events to share best practices, lessons learned, and emerging trends in this field.

The design and adoption of digital badges and verifiable micro-credentials globally must prioritize equal inclusion to fully realize their potential in transforming the way we recognize and validate learning. For this to happen, these credentials need to be designed and implemented in a way that is fair and accessible to all learners. Failure to ensure equal inclusion risks leaving some learners behind, perpetuating existing inequalities, and impeding progress towards a more equitable society.

The 4th ICoBC Symposium is focused on the theme of “Ensuring equal Inclusion,” which explores the importance of creating a level playing field for all learners, regardless of their background or circumstances. This theme builds on the previous symposiums, “From Theory to Practice“, “The journey of the champions“, and “Connecting the dots“, which emphasized the need to bridge the gap between theory and practice, celebrate the successes of digital badges and verifiable micro-credentials, and connect stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Join us to ensuring equal inclusion in digital badges, open badges and verifiable (micro-)credentials.

“ICoBC has introduced us to key stakeholders at leading international networks in the area of Higher Education to discuss the potential of verifiable credentials and digital identity. We are thankful for the meaningful and inspiring conversations which ICoBC has facilitated.”

Maria Langworthy
Principal Product Manager
Microsoft

What we do: At the International Council on Badges and Credentials, our mission is to foster a dynamic ecosystem that advances the recognition of informal, non-formal, and formal learning through digital badges and (micro-)credentials. We are dedicated to cultivating a world where diverse learning pathways are acknowledged, valued, and interconnected. Our actions are guided by the principles of holistic understanding, inclusive collaboration, global awareness, and innovation support. Through methodical development, technological advancement, and organizational synergy, we strive to create a transformative impact on individuals, organizations, and societies.