1EdTech

IMS Open Badges is the initiative behind a widely used open standard for digital badges that recognize skills, learning, and achievements. Rather than a single product or platform, Open Badges defines a free, openly available specification that enables badges to be verifiable, portable, and rich with information about the accomplishments they represent. Individuals can earn badges, claim them from issuers, collect them in a portfolio or digital backpack, and share them with employers, peers, and communities.

Educational institutions and other issuers can use badges to recognize proficiency, award microcredentials, and highlight learner growth and talent. Developers can build tools to issue, display, and host badges, and can seek certification that their products conform to the standard. Badges are managed through certified Open Badges platforms.

The initiative also connects learners, issuers, and technology providers with information about the wider ecosystem, frequently asked questions, and research on adoption. Its work supports recognition of learning across education, workforce development, and lifelong learning