The RSA invented the modern exam in the 19th century. Now, we’re championing a 21st-century innovation to validate the skills and capabilities that exams miss. We want to make all learning visible.
Building on the work we started with Cities of Learning, we aim to scale the use of standardised digital badges as infrastructure for a national programme of skills validation.
In partnership with the Ufi VocTech Trust we’ve launched the independent Digital Badging Commission as part of this work. We’re working to transform how individuals, employers and organisations recognise and reward learning and skills development. As part of this work, we have developed a suite of exemplar badges that can be copied and adapted completely free of charge.
Digital badging benefits three main groups in society. These are:
The RSA Badge Standard helps badge earners to understand the context of the learning they have obtained and their contribution. When one of the levels of the standard is incorporated into a badge, it provides a simple method by which to evaluate its relevance.
The standard has five layers, each recognising a different mode of learning and providing a clear progression of skills, ensuring badges are relevant to learners, educators and employers alike.
As part of the work of the Digital Badging Commission, we have also created guidance on how to write a digital badge alongside a set of exemplar badges which you can customise for your own purposes.
For foundational skills or introductory achievements. Reflects initial exposure to a subject or skill (e.g. teamwork, digital literacy). Encourages engagement and exploration without requiring extensive prior knowledge.
completing an introductory coding workshop; attending a seminar on sustainability; finishing a beginner-level online course; participating in a taster activity, such as creating a simple project in a club or community workshop.
Proof of participation e.g. attendance certificates, workshop logs; completion of introductory modules or quizzes; and examples of reflective tasks e.g. a brief write-up about the experience.
For demonstrated application of skills in practical settings. Aligns with the growing emphasis on portfolio-based evidence for education and employment. Recognises projects, tasks, or activities showcasing competence in specific areas.
Building and presenting a working model or prototype, eg crafting a piece of functional furniture; writing and sharing a short story, essay or blog post; completing an intermediate-level challenge, such as creating a budget or analysing data.
Submission of completed practical tasks or projects; supervisor or mentor validation for practical work; feedback from peers, tutors or evaluators.
Highlights teamwork, collaboration and multi-disciplinary contributions. Addresses the growing demand for interpersonal and collaborative skills in both education and industry. Awarded for achievements requiring cooperation with others, such as group projects, mentoring or cross-functional teamwork.
Participating in hackathons, co-leading initiatives or mentoring peers in a range of activities or sectors.
Documentation of teamwork, eg group project logs, shared presentations; feedback from peers or supervisors about collaborative contributions; video or written reflections on the collaborative process
For advanced application and integration of skills. Provides a bridge to industry-recognised credentials. Encourages innovative thinking and demonstrates the ability to apply skills in unique and impactful ways. Awarded for designing new solutions, improving existing processes, or creating original works with practical impact.
Conducting a small-scale research project and presenting findings; producing a professional-quality portfolio; prototyping new tools, implementing process improvements, or producing creative outputs or campaign plans; leading a student team to organise and execute a local community event.
Requires evidence of expertise and innovation with external validation, eg from mentors or organisations; portfolio demonstrating advanced work; evidence of complex problem-solving or analysis.
Highlights strategic planning, execution and impact on broader organisational or community objectives. Focuses on measurable leadership and management achievements, providing value to individuals and organisations. Awarded for leading initiatives, managing resources, or making decisions with significant outcomes.
Leading a departmental project, launching a new programme, or developing a strategic plan.
Detailed plans or reports outlining strategies and their outcomes; metrics demonstrating impact, eg increased efficiency, cost savings, or improved engagement; validation from senior stakeholders, organisations or accrediting bodies.
We want to work with partners across various sectors and institutions to achieve the ambition of endorsing non-formal and unaccredited learning, including:
The RSA can endorse your learning and your digital badges to provide a level of trust in the content and learning experience you’re delivering.
Andy Haldane defines his vision for a fairer, more accessible and fit-for-purpose education and learning system of the future in this blog.
Digital badging can standardise the modern exam system invented by the RSA. Now we’re championing innovation to validate the skills and capabilities these exams miss.
Business of all sizes and sectors are facing unparalleled disruption. Despite this, employers across the country are continuing to provide meaningful work and skills development for young people when they need it most.
