Creating a badge is quicker than ever. Only quality assurance makes it trusted. Our 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. Once Navigatr confirms your QA level, we apply the QA mark to your badge artwork, the visual signal that shows your badge meets professional standards.
The QA mark is part of the Navigatr Badge Framework, so it can only be applied to badges built with the Framework. If your badges use your own uploaded artwork, rebuild them with the Navigatr Badge Framework before your QA level is confirmed, or the mark cannot be added.
If you duplicate a badge that carries the QA mark, the copy does not keep it. Duplicating clears the badge image and the quality assured setting, so the copy needs a new image and a fresh QA confirmation before it can carry the mark again.
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
Our 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
The Navigatr QA mark applied to your Navigatr Badge Framework badges by Navigatr once your QA level is confirmed
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)
The Navigatr QA mark applied to your Navigatr Badge Framework badges by Navigatr once your QA level is confirmed
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
The Navigatr QA mark applied to your Navigatr Badge Framework badges by Navigatr once your QA level is confirmed
Cost: custom pricing. Contact us for details
Getting started
No QA: You can issue badges without quality assurance. They simply will not carry the QA mark on their artwork.
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.