Skill vs Badge vs Certificate
Skills, badges and certificates all mark achievement but serve different purposes. This article helps you pick.
Before you start
Any admin can read this — no configuration required.
Step 1 — Skill — the durable capability
A skill says 'this person can do X'. It's tracked over time, can expire, can be levelled up, and drives the Talent Pool and Pathfinder. Skills are the primary credential currency on the platform.
My Skills is the learner's own view of what they have proven so far.
Step 2 — Badge — the gamified milestone
A badge says 'this person achieved a milestone'. It's cosmetic, doesn't expire, and drives engagement rather than capability tracking. Use badges to celebrate streaks, first completions, and creative achievements.
Achievements are the badges a learner has earned and can show off on their profile.
Step 3 — Certificate — the shareable proof
A certificate is a PDF proof of course completion. It can expire, carries a public verification code, and is the artefact recruiters look for. Use certificates when the credential needs to travel outside the LMS.
Certificates land here the moment a learner completes the course that issued them.
Notes
- All three can be issued for the same course completion — they're independent.
- For compliance reporting, skills and certificates are what auditors care about; badges are for morale.