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What Are Open Badges 3.0? A Simple Guide
Digital credentials are widely used, but many people don’t know what makes them secure or verifiable. Open Badges 3.0 is a global standard that defines what data a badge must include, like metadata and how a badge can be verified. This guide explains how it works and how to issue OB3-compliant badges using Certifier.
AuthorOla Kozielska
Reviewer Aksen Semak
Verifier Expert
June 12, 2025
18 min read
Author
Ola Kozielska
Reviewer
Aksen Semak
Verifier Expert
June 12, 2025
18 min read
Trusted by:
You probably issue—or are about to issue—digital badges and came across the term Open Badge 3.0. Not sure what it is or why it matters? We’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we explain what the key features of Open Badges 3.0 are, how it differs from past versions and how to issue compliant credentials without getting buried in the technical side.
Certifier, a platform for creating and managing digital credentials, supports Open Badges 3.0 standard with all the badges you issue.
TL;DR
Open Badges 3.0 is the global standard for digital credentials—secure, easy to verify, portable and compatible with modern platforms like digital wallets.
Each badge includes a digital signature and verifiable metadata (such as the issuer, achievement details, date and verification method), making it tamper-proof and instantly checkable on any compliant platform.
Built with cryptographic security and designed for trust, badges can be verified instantly across systems.
Certifier helps you design, send and manage digital badges at scale—every badge issued is fully compliant with the Open Badges 3.0 standard, without having to handle the technical details yourself.
What are Open Badges 3.0?
Open Badges 3.0 is a set of rules that make digital credentials work across systems. It tells platforms what kind of metadata a badge must include, like:
Who issued it
What it stands for
When it was earned
What had to be done to get it
That data stays attached to the badge no matter where it’s shared, so it can be instantly checked and verified by HR teams, schools or the Open Badges API. It supports secure technologies like digital signatures and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs).
Originally developed by the Mozilla Foundation, the Open Badges standard is now maintained by 1EdTech, the organization behind version 3.0.
The screenshot below shows what this metadata looks like in a real badge issued by Certifier.
Metadata and proof structure inside a badge issued via Certifier, compliant with the Open Badges 3.0 specification
It highlights key elements like the issuer’s DID and name (in the orange frame), the badge ID and description, the cryptographic proof section and the verification method. All of this is embedded in the badge file itself, making it both human-readable and machine-verifiable across platforms.
Please, note: Open badges can’t be faked and the person who earned it stays in control of how and where it’s used.
How does Open Badges 3.0 work?
When a badge is issued, it includes a JSON-LD metadata file (in the background, not directly visible to the end-user). This structured data includes:
Open badges issuer name
Issuer contact (typically email or website)
Badge name and description
Criteria that define what the learner had to do to earn the badge
Issue date
Recipient ID
Verification
Evidence URL (optional) – proof or project work submitted
Open Badges specification provided by Certifier
Some tools, like Certifier, handle all of this through their infrastructure automatically, so when the digital badge is shared on LinkedIn, it links to the hosted badge page where the Open Badge metadata lives and can be inspected or verified.
Key features and benefits of Open Badges 3.0
Open Badges 3.0 gives digital credentials the structure and technology they need to work reliably across different systems and at any scale.
But that’s just the baseline. The spec brings a lot more to the table. Here are the benefits and features that matter to both issuers and badge earners:
Benefits of Open Badges 3.0
Shareable and verifiable. Badges carry embedded metadata that stays attached, so they can be verified instantly—by anyone, on any platform that supports the open badges specification.
Greater control for earners. Badge recipients don’t need to rely on a provider to keep or share their credentials—DIDs make access more flexible by allowing badge earners to control their credentials without depending on a single platform.
Scales with credentialing needs. Open Badges 3.0 supports batch delivery and automated issuing at scale. It uses a standardized JSON-LD format and API integrations, so platforms can generate and manage thousands of badges programmatically without manual input.
Compatible with modern identity systems. The format works with digital wallets and identity platforms, making it suitable for long-term recognition and verified sharing (e.g., LinkedIn Open Badges).
Features of Open Badges 3.0
JSON-LD structure. Badge data is stored using a standardized, machine-readable format that enables systems to understand and process it.
Embedded cryptographic signatures. Each open badge includes a digital proof of authenticity that allows verification. You don’t have to contact the Open Badges issuer.
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs). A DID links the badge to the issuer’s verified identity, without requiring a centralized authority.
Open Badges API support. Systems can issue and manage badges through integration with the Open Badges API.
Open Badges 3.0 compliance checklist
Creating badges that meet the Open Badges 3.0 standard requires more than just good design. You need to include the metadata, meet technical requirements and follow display rules.
If you’re issuing badges manually, here’s what you’d need to handle yourself.
Or….
You can skip all of this compliance checklist and issue fully compliant Open Badges 3.0 through Certifier. All badges issued through this platform are automatically compliant with OB3.0.
But if you do this on your own, make sure that your badge ticks all the boxes. We’ve divided the checklist into three segments: metadata, open badge issuer’s responsibilities and display.
Metadata
Include the correct JSON-LD contexts and types for Open Badges 3.0
Assign a unique identifier (URI) to each badge
Specify the Open Badge issuer’s identity using a URL or DID
Identify the badge recipient without exposing personal data
Add a clear name and description of the achievement
Describe the criteria required to earn the badge
Optionally link to evidence showing how the badge was earned
Include the date the badge was issued and, if relevant, the expiry date
Attach a cryptographic signature for authenticity and verification
Open Badge issuer responsibilities
Sign each badge using a supported digital signature method
Make the public verification key available and accessible
Deliver the badge in a reliable format—hosted or embedded in an image
Avoid including personal information in badge data
Offer a way to revoke badges if needed
Keep badge metadata consistent and tamper-proof
Display
Use a badge image that works across platforms
Follow the Open Badges 3.0 structure to ensure compatibility
Allow badges to be displayed in digital wallets and apps
Provide verification links or downloadable badge files
Test badge display and validation in multiple platforms
Open Badges 3.0 vs previous versions—comparison table
Each version of the open badges standard brought progress, but the 3.0 version delivers on the promise of even more secure and portable digital credentials.
We’ve compared all the versions for you, so you have a bigger picture of what’s the openbadge standard progress and what’s new specifically in the 3.0 version.
Common use-cases for Open Badges 3.0
Open Badges 3.0 answers practical needs across education, workforce development and compliance. Below are the most common scenarios where the format makes a measurable difference.
For each use case, we’ve provided free Open Badges templates that you can personalize and send in bulk. Just click the blue button and you will be directed to the badge template editor.
Recognizing academic achievements
Educational institutions and training providers may issue digital credentials in the form of openbadges for:
Achieving a language level
Specific skills, like learning a programming language
Short programs
Badges contain credential data that maps to what was learned and how it was assessed. Issuers support student mobility and create clearer records of progress. Learn more about how digital badges in higher education are used to support academic recognition and skill documentation.
Issuing microcredentials for targeted programs
Microcredentials are another strong choice. These are short, focused credentials that validate specific skills or competencies, often outside full degree programs.
Many providers issue digital badges for:
Standalone courses
Stackable modules
Professional electives
The Open Badges specification lets them embed richer metadata, like issue and expiration dates or information about alignment to skills frameworks or standards.
Verifying internal training and employee upskilling
Internal training and upskilling program organizers issue badges to employees for:
Completing workshops
Onboarding tracks
Leadership development
HR and L&D teams rely on the Open Badges API to automate delivery and verification at scale. For more inspiration on recognizing employee learning and development, explore the top ideas for recognition badges.
Tracking volunteer and community contributions
Badges aren’t limited to academics or enterprise. Community groups issue verified badges for:
Volunteer hours
Civic participation
Attending events
Whether for resumes or member engagement, community-issued badges carry value beyond the moment.
Associations and nonprofits use Open Badges to track and showcase contributions—see how to build a badging program for association members that supports recognition and growth. Plus, LinkedIn Open Badges are easy to share. They are supported through direct integrations and guides.
Supporting competency-based learning and learner records
For institutions using Comprehensive Learner Records or running competency-based education, badge metadata carries evidence of skills earned, not just courses passed. Learners can receive badges for:
Demonstrating proficiency in a specific skill or outcome
Completing applied projects tied to real-world competencies
Meeting benchmarks in personalized learning tracks
Even if you can't see all the elements that define an Open Badge, such as verification features or online sharing, Certifier ensures that every badge issued is fully compliant with the Open Badges 3.0 standard.
How to issue Open Badges 3.0 compliant credentials?
If you're issuing badges, you need two things:
A format that meets the Open Badges standard
A platform that doesn’t slow you down.
Every badge you issue through Certifier is automatically compliant with Open Badges 3.0. Also, Certifier is officially certified by 1EdTech (formerly IMS Global), the organization behind the standard. We embed the full badge metadata and credential data into the image file, so it’s ready for verification and long-term use.
Let’s learn how to issue fully verifiable, professional-looking badges with Certifier.
1. Create a badge design and create a group
In the dashboard, go to the Designs tab and click Create Design. Choose Badge Design. Then, select a template or build from scratch using Certifier’s library of icons, ribbons and shapes.
Upload your logo, set your colors, and add dynamic attributes like event name or skill level. Use Certifier’s font library to match your visual style. You can also upload a custom font.
Once it’s ready, save the design and head to the Groups tab. Create a group for your cohort and enter the relevant event or training details.
Watch the full openbadge creation walkthrough.
2. Customize your delivery email
Once your open badge design is ready, head to the Emails tab to create a delivery message template. Certifier lets you build fully branded emails with your logo, colors, and tone, so everything looks and feels like your organization.
Also, thanks to the dynamic attributes, you don’t have to spend your valuable time personalizing the emails. The dynamic attributes pull the data from the spreadsheet, making the message customized for every recipient.
Please note: You send your emails from a custom domain to avoid spam filters.
3. Upload your recipients and send
Manually add users or upload a spreadsheet—Certifier auto-generates professional, personalized badges for your participants. Certifier reads the file, fills in the dynamic attributes and prepares every badge for delivery.
Preview, approve, and send. Recipients receive a branded email and access their badge through a secure digital wallet.
From there, recipients can add them to LinkedIn, copy the link or download the badge in PNG format. There’s also a credential ID and an option to verify the badge.
If you need more guidance, check out the detailed instructions on how to issue digital badges in bulk.
4. Bonus: Use Pathways to structure learning
Certifier’s Pathways let you link multiple credentials into structured journeys—ideal for tiered courses or training programs. Learners see their progress and you track completion.
Tip: Once you issue your badge, you can verify it instantly using the Open Badges Validator—an official tool from IMS Global, the creators of the standard. It checks the metadata embedded in the badge and displays the credential details through a unique, shareable link. Certifier badges pass this validation seamlessly.
Create and Send Digital CredentialsTake your digital certificate making to the next level.
Open Badges 3.0 compliant credentials at your fingertips
Stay covered on compliance with Certifier—every badge meets the Open Badges specification, carries full badge metadata and aligns with the verifiable credentials data model.
Support earning Open Badges. Sign in for Certifier and issue 250 digital badges for free.
FAQ on Open Badges 3.0
Go through the answers to the most frequently asked questions and learn more about the Open Badges 3.0.
Ola Kozielska
Content designer. At Certifier, Ola crafts user-friendly content that makes complex information easy to grasp.
Ola Kozielska
Content designer. At Certifier, Ola crafts user-friendly content that makes complex information easy to grasp.
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