Creating a badge is quicker than ever. Only quality assurance makes it trusted. Navigatr’s QA framework helps you design badges that employers recognise and learners value.
Why quality assurance matters
Quality assurance is the bridge between a digital badge and professional recognition. Without it, your badges won’t display a QA mark – the key visual signal that shows your badge meets professional standards.
A quality-assured badge:
Clearly communicates its purpose
Signals credibility to employers
Enhances learner confidence and motivation
Tip: Research by quality-assurance expert Stuart Martin found that 85% of workers said quality-assured micro-credentials improved their employability: clear evidence that assurance drives real-world results.
The 5-step QA process
Navigatr’s 5-Step QA Process ensures every badge you create is meaningful, consistent, and trusted.
Define purpose: align your badge with real learner outcomes and employer needs.
Design with best practice: ensure your criteria and descriptions are credible and consistent.
Gain endorsements: secure third-party validation for added trust.
Test and refine: pilot before launch to ensure impact.
Display QA marks: show the quality behind every badge.
Choose your level of quality assurance
Select the QA level that best fits your goals, resources, and stage of development.
Bronze QA: Start strong (free)
Ideal for independent creators and small teams beginning their QA journey.
Free, self-paced online course (2 to 3 hours)
Step-by-step guidance through Navigatr’s 5-Step QA Process
Bronze QA checklist for self-review
Bronze QA Certified badge upon completion
Ability to add the Bronze QA mark to your issued badges
Silver QA: Build capability (peer review)
For organisations ready to strengthen quality and gain expert guidance.
Includes everything in Bronze, plus:
Two facilitated peer-review sessions
Live expert feedback from Navigatr and Stuart Martin
Silver QA Trained badge (valid 12 months)
Ability to add the Silver QA mark to your badges
Cost: £200 (education rate) | £375 (standard rate)
Gold QA: Demonstrate excellence (expert review)
For high-stakes or high-profile badges requiring independent validation.
Full independent expert review
Tailored feedback and revision support
Maximum credibility for employers and partners
Ability to add the Gold QA mark to your badges
Cost: custom pricing. Contact Navigatr for details
Getting started
No QA: You can issue badges without quality assurance (but no QA mark will appear).
Start with Bronze: It’s free and gives you the foundational skills to create credible badges.
Upgrade later: Move up to Silver or Gold to build deeper trust and validation as your programme grows.