Is Credly Legit A Trusted Digital Credentialing Platform

Is Credly legit? This is the burning question many ponder when encountering the digital badges that have become a modern hallmark of achievement. Credly, a prominent name in this evolving space, offers a compelling solution for individuals and organizations seeking to validate and showcase accomplishments in a verifiable, digital format. Understanding its core functionalities and the trust it has cultivated is key to appreciating its impact on professional recognition.

At its heart, Credly serves as a bridge between accomplishment and recognition, allowing for the issuance, management, and sharing of verified digital credentials. For individuals, these badges represent tangible proof of skills, knowledge, and completed training, easily shareable across professional networks and online profiles. Organizations, in turn, leverage Credly to streamline their credentialing processes, enhance brand visibility, and provide employees or students with recognized markers of success.

The typical workflow involves an issuer creating a badge, sending it to a recipient, who then accepts and manages it within their Credly account, ready to be displayed with confidence.

Understanding Credly’s Core Functionality

Credly stands as a prominent digital credentialing platform, fundamentally transforming how achievements, skills, and competencies are recognized and shared in the digital age. It provides a secure and verifiable way to manage and present professional accomplishments, moving beyond traditional paper certificates.The platform’s core purpose is to empower individuals and organizations by creating, managing, and sharing verifiable digital credentials, often referred to as badges.

These digital badges are more than just visual representations; they are data-rich, secure, and portable, allowing for instant validation of accomplishments.

Primary Purpose and Services Offered by Credly

Credly’s primary mission is to make achievements universally recognizable and verifiable. It achieves this by offering a suite of services designed for both credential issuers and recipients. For organizations, Credly provides a robust system to design, issue, and manage digital credentials that accurately reflect learning outcomes, professional development, certifications, and skills. This includes tools for branding, secure issuance, and analytics on badge engagement.

For individuals, Credly offers a secure digital wallet to collect, manage, and share their earned credentials across various online platforms, enhancing their professional profiles and career opportunities.

How Individuals and Organizations Use Credly for Digital Credentials

Both individuals and organizations leverage Credly to streamline the process of credentialing. Organizations, such as educational institutions, professional associations, and corporations, use Credly to award digital badges for completed courses, certifications, conference attendance, or mastery of specific skills. This allows them to provide a modern, easily shareable, and verifiable record of achievement for their constituents.Individuals, on the other hand, use Credly to curate a comprehensive digital portfolio of their accomplishments.

Upon receiving a badge, they can accept it into their Credly account, where it is stored securely. From there, they can share these badges on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, embed them on personal websites, include them in email signatures, or present them directly to potential employers. This transparent and verifiable sharing mechanism builds trust and credibility.

Typical Workflow for Issuing and Receiving a Credly Badge

The process of issuing and receiving a Credly badge is designed to be intuitive and efficient.For the issuer:

• An organization designs its digital badge, incorporating its branding, specific learning outcomes, and metadata.
• Using the Credly platform, the issuer uploads a list of recipients and their associated achievements.
• Credly securely issues the digital badge to each recipient, typically via email notification.

For the recipient:

• Upon receiving the email notification, the individual clicks a link to claim their badge.
• They are prompted to create or log into their Credly account.
• The badge is then added to their digital wallet on the Credly platform.
• From their wallet, the recipient can then share the badge across various digital channels.

Underlying Technology Supporting Credly’s Credential Verification

Credly’s credibility and the security of its digital badges are underpinned by robust technological solutions, primarily relying on blockchain technology. While not every badge is necessarily minted on a public blockchain, the underlying principles of distributed ledger technology are often employed to ensure the integrity and immutability of the credential data.The badges themselves are built upon open standards, such as the Open Badges standard, which ensures interoperability and allows for verification across different platforms.

Each badge contains encrypted metadata that includes information about the issuer, the recipient, the criteria for earning the badge, and the date of issuance. This metadata is cryptographically signed, making it extremely difficult to tamper with.When a badge is shared, the recipient’s digital wallet or the platform where it’s displayed can query Credly’s verification service. This service uses the cryptographic signatures and associated data to confirm the authenticity of the badge with the issuing organization, ensuring that it has not been altered or fabricated.

The use of distributed ledger technology, where applicable, provides an immutable record of issuance, further bolstering the trustworthiness of the credentials.

Evaluating Credly’s Legitimacy and Trustworthiness

Now that we understand what Credly is and how it functions, let’s delve into the crucial aspects of its legitimacy and trustworthiness. In a digital landscape where verification is paramount, it’s essential to examine the foundations upon which Credly builds its reputation. This involves looking at its collaborations, endorsements, security protocols, and how it stacks up against its peers in the digital badging space.

Credly’s legitimacy is not just a matter of its own claims; it’s reinforced by the trust placed in it by a vast network of esteemed organizations. When leading institutions and companies choose to partner with a platform, it serves as a strong indicator of that platform’s reliability and value. These partnerships are a testament to Credly’s ability to securely and effectively manage and verify digital credentials, making them a trusted solution for both issuing organizations and credential holders.

Partnerships with Reputable Institutions and Companies

The credibility of any digital credentialing platform is significantly bolstered by the caliber of organizations that choose to work with it. Credly has cultivated a robust ecosystem of partners, encompassing a wide array of sectors and demonstrating its broad applicability and trustworthiness. These collaborations are not merely transactional; they represent a shared commitment to the future of verified digital achievements.

To illustrate the breadth and depth of Credly’s partnerships, consider the following categories of institutions that rely on its platform:

• Higher Education: Numerous universities and colleges worldwide utilize Credly to issue digital diplomas, certificates, and micro-credentials. This allows graduates to easily share their academic achievements with potential employers and professional networks. Examples include institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, MIT, and the University of Michigan.
• Professional Associations and Certification Bodies: Organizations that set industry standards and offer professional certifications frequently partner with Credly. This includes bodies such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), CompTIA, and the American Marketing Association, enabling professionals to showcase their validated skills and expertise.
• Corporations and Employers: Many leading companies use Credly to recognize employee training, professional development, and internal certifications. This not only validates employee accomplishments but also helps in talent management and internal mobility. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM have been known to leverage digital badging for various recognition programs.
• Government and Non-profit Organizations: Public sector entities and non-profits also adopt Credly for skills recognition, workforce development initiatives, and program completion. This can range from issuing credentials for government-sponsored training programs to recognizing participation in civic engagement initiatives.

Organizations Endorsing or Integrating with Credly

Beyond formal partnerships, the endorsement and integration of Credly by influential organizations further solidify its standing. When prominent entities publicly acknowledge or build their systems around Credly’s capabilities, it signals a high level of confidence in its technology and its role in the digital credentialing landscape.

Several key organizations have demonstrated their support and integration with Credly:

• LinkedIn: One of the most significant integrations is with LinkedIn, the premier professional networking platform. Credly allows users to seamlessly share their earned digital badges directly to their LinkedIn profiles. This integration is a powerful endorsement, as LinkedIn’s vetting process for such integrations is rigorous, signifying Credly’s adherence to high standards of verification and portability.
• Burning Glass Technologies: As a leader in labor market analytics, Burning Glass Technologies has worked with Credly to connect skills data from digital credentials to real-world job market demands. This collaboration highlights Credly’s role in providing verifiable data that can inform career pathways and skill development.
• Skills-Based Hiring Initiatives: Many initiatives focused on promoting skills-based hiring have embraced Credly. These movements, often supported by industry consortiums and workforce development agencies, recognize the value of portable, verifiable digital credentials for a more equitable and efficient hiring process.

Security Measures for Credential Integrity

The integrity of digital credentials is paramount. Credly employs a multi-layered approach to security to ensure that each badge issued is authentic, verifiable, and resistant to fraud. These measures are designed to protect both the issuing organization and the credential holder.

Concerns about whether Credly is legitimate often arise as users seek verifiable credentials. For those navigating digital learning platforms, understanding processes like how to quit a course on Duolingo can be essential. This focus on managing educational commitments indirectly highlights the importance of reliable digital verification services, reinforcing the ongoing discussion around Credly’s credibility.

Key security features and protocols include:

• Blockchain Technology: Credly utilizes blockchain technology as a foundational element for many of its credentials. This distributed ledger technology provides an immutable and transparent record of credential issuance and ownership. Once a credential is recorded on the blockchain, it is extremely difficult to alter or forge.
• Unique Identifiers and Cryptographic Signatures: Each digital badge issued through Credly is associated with a unique identifier and is cryptographically signed by the issuing organization. This signature acts as a digital fingerprint, verifying that the badge originated from the claimed issuer and has not been tampered with since its issuance.
• Secure Issuance Processes: Credly works with organizations to ensure secure and controlled issuance workflows. This includes verification of the individuals receiving credentials and robust authentication for administrators who have the authority to issue badges.
• Data Encryption: Sensitive data associated with credentials and user accounts is protected through robust encryption protocols, both in transit and at rest, safeguarding against unauthorized access.
• Verification APIs: Credly provides APIs that allow third parties, such as employers or other platforms, to programmatically verify the authenticity of a badge. This seamless verification process is crucial for the practical utility of digital credentials.

“The security of our users’ credentials and the integrity of the badges we issue are non-negotiable. We employ industry-leading technologies and practices to ensure that every credential represents a genuine achievement.”

Comparison with Other Digital Badging Platforms, Is credly legit

When evaluating digital badging platforms, it’s helpful to compare their features and legitimacy markers against Credly. While several platforms exist, Credly often stands out due to its established partnerships, robust security, and widespread adoption, particularly within professional and educational contexts.

Here’s a comparative overview focusing on legitimacy:

Credly’s commitment to verifiable, portable, and secure digital credentials, backed by a strong network of reputable issuers and integrations, positions it as a highly legitimate and trustworthy platform in the digital badging space. Its focus on enabling individuals to showcase their verified skills and achievements in a globally recognized format is a key differentiator.

The Credly Experience for Recipients

Receiving a digital credential from Credly is more than just getting a certificate; it’s about unlocking a dynamic and verifiable representation of your accomplishments. This section delves into how individuals interact with their digital badges, from the moment they are awarded to how they leverage these verified achievements to enhance their professional presence.

Claiming and Managing Digital Credentials

Once an issuing organization confirms your achievement, you’ll receive an email notification from Credly. This email contains a direct link to claim your digital credential. The claiming process is straightforward and typically involves creating or logging into your Credly account. Your account serves as a secure digital wallet where all your earned badges are stored. Within your account dashboard, you can view details of each credential, including the issuing body, the skills or knowledge it represents, and any associated metadata.

Credly makes it easy to organize and keep track of your verified achievements, ensuring they are readily accessible whenever you need to showcase them.

Sharing Verified Achievements

Credly empowers recipients to share their verified accomplishments across a multitude of professional and social platforms. This seamless sharing capability is a cornerstone of the platform’s value. Each digital badge comes with unique sharing options, allowing you to broadcast your success with just a few clicks. You can share directly to your LinkedIn profile, adding a visually appealing and verifiable testament to your skills.

Additionally, badges can be shared via email, embedded on personal websites or portfolios, and even posted to other social media channels. This broad reach ensures your verified achievements are visible to potential employers, collaborators, and your professional network, acting as powerful endorsements of your capabilities.

Perceived Value and Professional Impact

Possessing a Credly badge translates into tangible professional advantages. These digital credentials offer a universally recognized and verifiable method of showcasing skills and certifications, distinguishing individuals in competitive job markets. Employers increasingly value these badges as they provide immediate assurance of a candidate’s qualifications, reducing the time and effort needed for verification. The visual nature of badges also makes them easily digestible and impactful on professional profiles.

This can lead to increased visibility, more interview opportunities, and a stronger personal brand. In essence, a Credly badge acts as a digital handshake, confirming your expertise and commitment to continuous learning.

Examples of Credential Types

Credly hosts a diverse array of digital credentials, reflecting the vast landscape of learning and professional development. These badges span various industries and skill sets, providing concrete examples of how individuals can digitally represent their expertise. The following table illustrates the breadth of credentials available through the Credly platform.

The Credly Experience for Issuers: Is Credly Legit

Welcome to a deeper dive into how Credly empowers the organizations that issue digital credentials! For educational institutions and employers, the ability to formally recognize achievements and skills is paramount. Credly streamlines this process, transforming traditional paper certificates into dynamic, verifiable digital badges that offer a wealth of benefits.This section explores the advantages and operational aspects for organizations choosing Credly as their digital credentialing partner.

We’ll uncover how it enhances their brand, simplifies credential issuance, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and recognition.

Benefits for Educational Institutions and Employers

For educational institutions, Credly offers a modern and verifiable way to showcase student achievements, from course completions and certifications to degrees and specialized training. This digital approach enhances the credibility and shareability of academic accomplishments, making it easier for graduates to present their qualifications to potential employers. For employers, Credly provides a robust platform to recognize employee skills, training completions, professional development milestones, and internal certifications.

This not only boosts employee morale and retention but also creates a transparent and easily accessible record of workforce capabilities.The advantages extend to:

• Enhanced Employability for Recipients: Digital badges are easily shareable on professional networks and resumes, increasing visibility for individuals’ verified skills.
• Streamlined Verification: Employers and other institutions can instantly verify the authenticity of credentials, reducing administrative burden and fraud.
• Data-Driven Insights: Organizations gain valuable data on the skills and achievements of their learners and employees, informing curriculum development and talent management strategies.
• Reduced Costs: Eliminates the need for printing, mailing, and managing physical certificates, leading to significant cost savings.
• Modern Brand Image: Adopting digital credentialing positions institutions and companies as forward-thinking and innovative.

The Process for Becoming a Credly Issuer

Becoming a Credly issuer is a structured yet accessible process designed to integrate seamlessly with an organization’s existing systems. The initial step involves connecting with the Credly sales team to discuss specific needs and explore partnership opportunities. Following this, a technical integration phase begins, which can range from API-driven integrations for automated issuance to simpler, manual upload processes depending on the organization’s technical capabilities and desired workflow.

Credly provides comprehensive support throughout this integration, ensuring a smooth transition to digital credentialing.The key stages include:

1. Discovery and Consultation: Engaging with Credly’s partnership team to understand offerings and define issuance goals.
2. Technical Integration: Setting up the connection between the organization’s systems and the Credly platform, often involving API configuration or data mapping.
3. Credential Design: Collaborating with Credly to design the visual appearance and define the metadata for each digital badge.
4. Pilot Program: Often, a pilot issuance is conducted to test the workflow and ensure satisfaction before a full rollout.
5. Full-Scale Issuance: Launching the digital credentialing program to all relevant recipients.

Enhancing Organization Brand and Recognition

Credly plays a significant role in amplifying an organization’s brand and recognition by transforming credentials into shareable digital assets. Each digital badge issued carries the issuer’s branding, including logos and specific design elements, acting as a constant visual reminder of the organization and the achievement it represents. When recipients share these badges on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or their personal websites, they effectively become brand ambassadors, extending the organization’s reach and visibility to new audiences.

This organic promotion enhances the perceived value and prestige of the credentials issued, ultimately strengthening the issuer’s reputation in their respective fields.

Hypothetical Scenario: Employee Development Tracking

Imagine “Innovate Solutions Inc.,” a rapidly growing tech company that values continuous employee development. To better track and recognize the diverse skill sets and training undertaken by its staff, Innovate Solutions partners with Credly.The company decides to implement a comprehensive digital credentialing program. For instance, when an employee successfully completes an advanced cybersecurity training module, the IT department issues a “Certified Cybersecurity Professional” digital badge through Credly.

This badge is not just a visual award; it’s embedded with metadata detailing the specific skills acquired, the training hours, and the issuing authority (Innovate Solutions Inc.).Furthermore, when an employee demonstrates exceptional leadership during a challenging project, their manager nominates them for a “Project Leadership Excellence” badge. This encourages a culture of proactive skill development and leadership recognition. The HR department can then leverage the data from these issued badges to identify employees with specific expertise for internal projects or promotions, and to pinpoint areas where further training might be beneficial for the workforce as a whole.

Employees, in turn, can proudly display these badges on their professional profiles, showcasing their commitment to growth and their valuable contributions to Innovate Solutions Inc., making them more attractive internally and to future employers if they choose to move on. This systematic approach to credentialing by Innovate Solutions Inc. not only motivates employees but also builds a robust, verifiable record of talent within the organization.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

As digital credentials become more prevalent, it’s natural for questions and even some confusion to arise. This section aims to clarify common uncertainties surrounding digital badges and their authenticity, ensuring you have a clear understanding of how they work and how to trust them. We’ll delve into how to confidently verify a badge’s legitimacy and distinguish it from any potentially misleading representations.

Authenticity of Digital Badges

The concept of a digital badge, while powerful, can sometimes lead to questions about its tangible proof of achievement. Unlike a physical certificate that can be held and examined, digital badges exist online. This can sometimes fuel concerns about whether they are truly representative of an individual’s skills or accomplishments. It’s important to understand that the strength of a digital badge lies not in its physical form, but in the verifiable data and secure issuance process behind it.

The technology employed by platforms like Credly is designed to embed this verifiable information, making the badge a robust and trustworthy indicator of achievement.

Verifying the Legitimacy of a Specific Credly Badge

Verifying the authenticity of a Credly badge is a straightforward and secure process, designed to provide immediate confidence. Every Credly badge is issued with a unique URL that links directly to the credential on the Credly platform. By clicking on this URL, or by entering the badge ID into the verification tool on Credly’s website, you can access a dedicated page that displays the badge and all its associated details.

This page confirms the issuer, the recipient, the specific skills or competencies awarded, and the date of issuance. The presence of this verified information on the official Credly platform is the primary indicator of a badge’s legitimacy.

Identifying Fraudulent or Misleading Digital Credentials

While Credly is a reputable platform, it’s always wise to be aware of potential imposters in the digital space. Fraudulent or misleading digital credentials often lack the verifiable links and secure issuance details that characterize legitimate badges. Red flags include:

• Badges that do not link to a verifiable online profile or issuer.
• Credentials issued by unknown or unverified organizations.
• Poorly designed badges or credentials with spelling or grammatical errors.
• Requests for personal financial information to “claim” a badge, which is not a standard practice for legitimate issuers.

Always look for the official Credly branding and ensure the badge directs you to the Credly platform for verification.

Security of Digital Badges Versus Traditional Certificates

Digital badges offer distinct security advantages over traditional paper certificates. While a paper certificate can be easily forged, lost, or damaged, digital badges are secured through cryptography and blockchain technology (in some implementations), making them incredibly difficult to counterfeit. The verification process for a digital badge is also more robust; it’s tied to a secure online record rather than a potentially falsified piece of paper.

“Digital badges provide a verifiable, portable, and secure way to showcase achievements, offering a higher degree of authenticity than traditional paper certificates.”

Furthermore, digital badges can be easily updated or revoked by the issuer if circumstances change, a capability that is impossible with a printed certificate. This dynamic nature ensures that the credentials displayed remain current and accurate.

Credly’s Role in the Future of Professional Recognition

As we move further into the digital age, the way we recognize and validate professional achievements is undergoing a significant transformation. Credly is at the forefront of this evolution, providing a robust platform for creating, managing, and sharing verifiable digital credentials. This shift from traditional paper certificates to dynamic, secure digital badges is not just a matter of convenience; it’s about redefining how skills and accomplishments are communicated and trusted in the global marketplace.Digital credentials are fundamentally reshaping how skills are validated.

Instead of static documents that can be easily forged or misinterpreted, digital badges offer a dynamic, verifiable record of an individual’s capabilities. These badges, powered by blockchain technology and other secure methods, provide irrefutable proof of attainment, linking directly to the issuing organization and the specific criteria met. This granular level of detail allows employers, educators, and individuals to understand the exact nature of a skill or achievement, fostering greater transparency and trust.

Shaping the Future of Skill Validation with Digital Credentials

The landscape of professional development is increasingly characterized by a need for continuous learning and agile skill acquisition. Traditional educational models are being supplemented, and in some cases replaced, by micro-credentials and specialized certifications that reflect current industry demands. Digital credentials are the perfect mechanism for capturing and showcasing these evolving skill sets. They offer a flexible and portable way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and adapt to the rapidly changing job market.

Organizations can issue credentials for completing online courses, mastering new software, or achieving specific project milestones, creating a rich tapestry of an individual’s professional journey.

The Evolving Landscape of Lifelong Learning and Credentialing

Lifelong learning is no longer a buzzword but a necessity for career longevity and advancement. As industries evolve at an unprecedented pace, individuals must constantly update their skills and knowledge. Digital credentialing platforms like Credly are instrumental in supporting this continuous learning journey. They provide a standardized and secure way to recognize the diverse learning experiences individuals undertake, from formal education to informal training and on-the-job achievements.

This creates a more holistic and accurate representation of an individual’s expertise, moving beyond traditional degrees to encompass a broader spectrum of competencies.

Potential for Credly Integration with Professional Development Tools

The true power of digital credentials lies in their interoperability and integration. Credly is strategically positioned to become a central hub within a broader ecosystem of professional development tools and platforms. Imagine a scenario where your learning management system (LMS) automatically issues a digital badge upon course completion, which is then seamlessly added to your Credly profile. Similarly, professional networking sites could display your verified Credly badges, providing instant credibility to your skills.

This interconnectedness will streamline the process of skill validation and career progression, making it easier for individuals to showcase their expertise and for organizations to identify qualified talent.The potential for integration is vast, encompassing:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) for automatic badge issuance upon course completion.
• Professional networking platforms for displaying verified skills and achievements.
• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for recruiters to quickly assess candidate qualifications.
• Portfolio builders for creating dynamic and visually engaging representations of one’s professional journey.
• Skills assessment platforms to automatically award credentials based on performance.

Visual Representation Concept for a Professional’s Digital Credential Portfolio

A professional’s digital credential portfolio, as presented through a platform like Credly, could be envisioned as a dynamic, interactive dashboard. The core of this presentation would be a central, visually appealing representation of the individual’s overarching professional identity.The arrangement might include the following key elements:

• Header: Featuring the individual’s name, professional title, and a professional headshot.
• Summary Statement: A concise, personalized narrative highlighting their career focus and key strengths.
• Core Skills Showcase: A visually distinct section, perhaps using a tag cloud or a skill matrix, that highlights their most prominent and verified skills. Each skill would be clickable, leading to related credentials.
• Credential Gallery: The primary display area for all earned digital credentials. This could be presented as a grid of visually distinct badges, each with its own icon, title, and issuing organization. Each badge would be hoverable to reveal a brief description and a direct link to its verification page.
• Timeline of Achievements: A chronological display of when major credentials were earned, providing a sense of career progression and development over time.
• Verifications and Endorsements: A section dedicated to displaying any additional endorsements or verifications linked to specific skills or credentials, adding further layers of credibility.
• Contact and Social Links: Easily accessible links to professional social media profiles or direct contact information.

The overall aesthetic would be clean, modern, and professional, emphasizing clarity and ease of navigation. The visual design of the badges themselves would be consistent, ensuring brand recognition for issuing organizations while maintaining a unified look for the individual’s portfolio. The interactive nature would allow users to explore credentials in detail, fostering deeper understanding and trust in the presented qualifications.

Final Conclusion

Ultimately, Credly stands as a robust and trustworthy platform for digital credentialing, deeply integrated into the modern landscape of professional development and skill validation. Its commitment to security, extensive network of reputable partners, and user-friendly experience for both issuers and recipients solidify its position as a leader. As the world continues to embrace digital solutions for recognizing achievement, Credly’s role in shaping a more transparent and accessible future of professional validation is undeniable, empowering individuals and organizations alike to effectively communicate and celebrate success.

FAQ Summary

How do I know if a Credly badge is real?

You can verify a Credly badge by clicking on it; it will redirect you to a unique URL on the Credly platform that displays the credential’s details, issuer, and verification status. This ensures its authenticity and prevents fraud.

Can Credly badges be faked?

While digital credentials can be subject to attempts at deception, Credly’s underlying technology and verification processes make it extremely difficult to forge a legitimate badge. The platform uses secure methods to ensure that only authentic credentials are issued and displayed.

What’s the difference between a Credly badge and a certificate?

Credly badges are dynamic, verifiable digital assets that can be easily shared and linked to specific achievements, often containing richer data about the skill or knowledge demonstrated. Traditional certificates are static paper documents that are harder to verify and share digitally.

Does having a Credly badge guarantee a job?

A Credly badge serves as strong evidence of your skills and achievements, which can significantly enhance your job prospects and professional profile. However, it is one component of a job application and doesn’t guarantee employment on its own.

Can I get a Credly badge for self-taught skills?

Credly badges are typically issued by accredited institutions, organizations, or employers who have a formal process for validating skills. While you can showcase self-taught skills through other means, direct issuance of a Credly badge usually requires validation by an official issuer.