SHSMD Digital Badge FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are considering an SHSMD certificate program that offers a digital badge, have already earned your first badge or are supporting staff who have earned a digital badge, these answers to frequently asked questions will help you navigate SHSMD’s digital badge program.
- What is a digital badge?
- What is the benefit of having a digital badge?
- What happens once I complete a certificate or curriculum that offers a digital badge?
- How do I accept my badge?
- Do I have to accept the digital badge if I complete a SHSMD certificate program that offers one?
- How long do I have to accept a digital badge that I have earned?
- How do I share my digital badge?
- Will my digital badge ever expire?
- What happens if my digital badge expires?
- How will someone know my digital badge is authentic?
- Who is Credly?
- How does Credly protect my information?
- If I have digital badges that aren't from SHSMD, is there a way to consolidate them into one place?
- Can someone copy or steal my badge?
- Will I still receive a paper certificate?
A digital badge is a validated, standardized graphical representation of knowledge and skills that can be earned by undertaking various learning activities. Each digital badge has a unique URL that badge holders can share electronically via social media and email and embed on an individual's profile page on a firm website.
What is the benefit of having a digital badge?
A digital badge helps individuals gain recognition for significant professional development by allowing them to easily share their achievements. Prospective clients and employers are able to quickly verify a digital badge holder's competencies and skills. The digital badge also provides greater credibility and visually declares an individual’s commitment to professional development. According to a recent LinkedIn study, LinkedIn profiles with certifications and badges are viewed six times more often.
What happens once I complete a certificate or curriculum that offers a digital badge?
Within 10 business days, you will receive an email from the course administrator with instructions and a link to accept your badge.
How do I accept my badge?
The instructions you receive make it easy to log in to the SHSMD Credly site and accept the digital badges you've earned. You have the option to use your email address, Facebook or LinkedIn to create your free Credly.com account. Instructions are also available at support.credly.com.
Do I have to accept the digital badge if I complete a SHSMD certificate program that offers one?
You do not have to claim the digital badge, however digital badges are becoming the standard for recognizing and publicizing professional development.
How long do I have to accept a digital badge that I have earned?
There is no time limit to accept the digital badge; however, please refer to the below question, "Will my certificate badge ever expire?"
How do I share my digital badge?
From the "Earned" tab on the SHSMD Credly site, you can elect to share badges anywhere on the web—a personal blog, a social network such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Mozilla Open Badges, company website or an online résumé.
You can also access these instructions with screenshots at support.credly.com.
Will my digital badge ever expire?
SHSMD badges do not expire. If significant changes to the information covered in the certificate program occur, you will be notified about any additional education or testing that must be completed to maintain the certificate. If you complete the additional education or pass the additional testing, you will remain a certificate holder and your digital badge description will be updated to reflect new competencies. If you do not complete the additional education or pass the additional testing, your certificate will expire electronically.
What happens if my digital badge expires?
Your inactive digital badge will still be listed on your Credly.com account with the expiration date displayed. SHSMD can remove the digital badge from your profile and it will disappear from your account after it has been expired for a year.
How will someone know my digital badge is authentic?
Your digital badge is linked to your profile on the SHSMD Credly site. Each certificate and profile has a unique URL that will display your badge information if you choose to share it on a social network profile or website or in your email signature.
Who is Credly?
Credly empowers the recognition of lifelong achievement by offering on of the leading platforms for verifying, sharing and managing digital badges and credentials.
Thousands of organizations including the New York Department of Education, Adobe, SUNY, University of Central Florida, EDUCAUSE, Yale University, Harvard and the Smithsonian, use Credly to make achievements visible.
How does Credly protect my information?
In order to accept your badge, you are required to share your name and email address with Credly, however you are in control of everything you share and make visible to other users. You can read more about Credly's privacy policy at credly.com.privacy.
If I have digital badges that aren't from the SHSMD, is there a way to consolidate them into one place?
Yes, digital badges issued and received on Credly.com are fully compliant with the Mozilla Open Badges standard. All Credly account holders can send their badges to the Mozilla Open Badge Backpack and import badges earned elsewhere into their Credly profile.
Can someone copy or steal my badge?
No, your digital badge is awarded to the name and email address you used to complete your certificate program. If someone were to copy the badge, it would be unverified and invalid. If you encounter any individual who appears to be misusing a SHSMD digital badge image or unique URL, please contact us at shsmd@aha.org.
Will I still receive a paper certificate?
Yes, all certificate programs also issue a PDF certificate via email.