DIGITAL BADGES

Beginning in December 2025, CWS is rolling out a new system of digital badges that can be earned when completing a course or professional certificate.
view all CWS badges

WHAT IS A DIGITAL BADGE?

A digital badge, or digital microcredential, is an online award that indicates a specific accomplishment or skill. CWS digital badges are issued through Parchment Digital Badges, which is part of our learning management system (Canvas).

HOW ARE OUR BADGES BENEFICIAL TO YOU?

Badges are:

  • Verifiable – Badges securely document specific skills and competencies learners build in each course. 

  • Readily shareable – Learners can share badges on social media platforms, personal websites, online job applications, and digital resumes, making them a great way to showcase abilities to employers and professional networks. 

  • Portable – Learners will always have free access to their badges in a digital “backpack” even after finishing the course. 

HOW ARE BADGES EARNED?

Badges are issued upon completion of course requirements, which vary by course and by format (BASIC, STANDARD, PREMIUM). Please check the course syllabus for information about specific requirements for completing a course and earning the badge. The following are general guidelines for each course format:

If you’ve registered for a lower-tier format, you can upgrade to a higher tier by paying the difference in tuition. Please contact info@centerforwildlifestudies.org if you’d like to upgrade.

If you’re registered for a higher-tier format and do not complete all of that tier’s requirements, you can receive the badge for a lower tier as long as you’ve met the lower tier requirements.

Example: 

A learner registers for PREMIUM and completes all course exercises and surveys but chooses not to take any additional assessments. They would be awarded a BASIC badge.

HOW DO YOU ACCESS YOUR BADGE?

Once you’ve completed the course requirements for earning a badge, it will be automatically issued. You’ll receive an email from Center for Wildlife Studies Badging with instructions for accessing and sharing your badge. For step-by-step instructions, see our Badge Earner Guide here. 

USE BADGES TO TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

You can also view your badges on pathways illustrating progress toward a professional certificate (see example below). CWS currently offers professional certificates in Applied Quantitative Ecology and Conservation Planning. The pathway allows you to easily view which courses you’ve already completed and which courses you still need to fulfill the remaining requirements. You can view the pathway even if you’re not currently enrolled in a certificate program.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. When you finish an online course, you’ll receive both a digital badge and a completion certificate.

  • Earned badges can be printed on certificates directly from your Parchment Digital Badges account. Visit this guide for more information.

  • No, digital badges are included in the online course tuition.

  • You can share your badge directly from the email notification you receive when it’s issued. Click “Go to the Badge” to open it in Parchment Digital Badges or use the sharing icons in the email to post it instantly on sites like LinkedIn or Facebook. For detailed steps, visit the Badge Earner Guide and the Sharing Badges from my Parchment Backpack page.

  • Badges are not available for individual courses taken prior to December 2025. If you are enrolled in a professional certificate, you may be eligible to receive badges for CWS courses taken in the past. Please email info@centerforwildlifestudies.org.

Other Questions?