How do Ako Aotearoa's digital badges work?

Find out what a digital badge is, the purpose of a digital badge and more in this short video.

Our badges

The Ako Aotearoa digital badges were awarded in many of our courses. The badges have data that describes learner’s skills and achievements.

Here are some examples of the badges.

Ako Aotearoa Digital Badging FAQ

What is a digital badge?

Ako Aotearoa awarded digital badges to show achievement and competency for those who complete a Professional Learning and Development (PLD) course. A badge is a digital image loaded with important information about the learning that has taken place, including what the badge means, who received it, and who issued it.

How do badges benefit me?

Badges can help educators and others by providing a durable and shareable record of PLD. You can also use a collection of badges to map out what you have achieved over time. Ako Aotearoa badges show that you are current in your knowledge and practice in adult literacy, numeracy, and cultural capability.

What badges could I earn at Ako Aotearoa?

Ako Aotearoa previously offered badges as part of our Professional Learning and Development programme.

While we cannot offer any new badges, Badges previously earned can still be redeemed via Open Badge Factory. 

Are badges qualifications?

Digital badges are not NZQA qualifications, but they are a kind of shareable digital credential. Our digital badges correspond to the learning outcomes of the PLD course you have completed. Digital badges complement NZQA qualifications, like the NZCATT and NZCALNE (Voc), for example.

How do I receive my badges?

Ako Aotearoa issued badges upon successful completion of selected PLD courses.

Following successful completion of the workshop, an email link was sent out with information about your digital badge and instructions on how to store and share it. 
You need to 'claim' your digital badge via OIpen Badge Factory using the link in this email. 

Unfortunately from 19 December 2025, Ako Aotearoa staff can no longer assist with badge redemption.

How do I store my badges?

We currently work with a platform called Open Badge Factory. There are other platforms you can use, but Open Badge Factory makes it really easy to set up and store your badges in an Open Badge Passport.

How do I use the Open Badge Passport?

We recommend that you use the Open Badge Passport to access your badges.
To do this sign up for an account on the Open Badge Passport

How do I share my badges?

Digital badges are designed for sharing. You can do this via email, social media platforms, including LinkedIn and Facebook, or on your CV.

You may wish to share your achievements with:

• your manager
• a potential employer
• colleagues
• a professional network.

Sharing your achievements in this way helps others understand your achievements, how you have developed in your role, and that you are engaged in ongoing PLD.

How can I change my email address on the badges?

If you need to change or add an email address to your account, follow the instructions on the Open Badge Passport.