How to Quality Assure a Badge

Creating a badge is quicker than ever – but 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
  

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.

1. Define purpose – Align your badge with real learner outcomes and employer needs.
   

2. Design with best practice – Ensure your criteria and descriptions are credible and consistent.
   

3. Gain endorsements – Secure third-party validation for added trust.
   

4. Test and refine – Pilot before launch to ensure impact.
   

5. 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 (2–3 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
  

→ Start the free Bronze QA course

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) | £350 (standard rate)

→ Enquire about dates for the Silver QA cohort

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

→ Enquire about Gold QA expert review

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.
  
  

Take the Next Step

• Enrol in the Bronze QA course – learn the essentials free.
  

• Join a Silver QA cohort – gain expert feedback and peer collaboration.
  

• Enquire about Gold QA – secure independent verification for your organisation.