Digital Badge Assessments and Thresholds

There are two types of digital badges: competency badges and engagement badges. This document provides an overview of the digital badge assessments and thresholds for each badge type.

Competency: 

In order to earn a competency digital badge, learners must successfully pass assessments related to the skills represented by the badge. See below for examples of assessments and passing thresholds.

Assessment Examples: 

  • One or more quizzes

  • A final project

  • A research paper

  • A portfolio

  • An oral test such as an interview

  • A performative task

  • A report or essay

Threshold Examples: 

In order to demonstrate that they have mastered the skills and knowledge represented by the badge, badge earners must demonstrate their competencies above a set threshold. Examples of that threshold include: 

  • 80% or better on a quiz or test

  • 5 points graded on a 7-point rubric

A functioning (pivot table, app, code, webpage) with x or fewer errors

Engagement: 

In order to earn an engagement digital badge, participants must demonstrate meaningful involvement in a learning activity or event designed to foster active learning. While attendance is required, it is not sufficient on its own. This badge recognizes active participation and achievement of foundational learning outcomes (e.g., remembering, understanding) without the need for formal evaluation.

Engagement Examples:
 Participants may demonstrate meaningful engagement through one or more of the following:

  • Participating in Discussions
    Actively contributing to group discussions (in-person or online) by sharing insights, asking questions, and responding to peers. 

  • Completing Interactive Tasks
     Engaging with non-graded interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, or collaborative projects.

  • Providing Feedback
    Offering constructive feedback on the learning activity or event to support continuous improvement.

  • Applying Learning
    Demonstrating how acquired knowledge is applied in real-world scenarios or personal projects.

  • Collaborating with Peers
    Working effectively with others in group activities or discussions, showing teamwork and cooperation.

  • Reflective Contributions
    Sharing personal reflections or experiences related to the learning content to enrich the collective learning experience.

  • Experience Creation
    Participating in the creation and/or support of a structured learning experience for others.

Threshold Examples:

To earn the engagement badge, participants must meet one or more of the following thresholds:

  • Consistent participation throughout the session
  • Completion of all interactive components
  • Submission of a reflection or feedback artifact
  • Demonstrated alignment between participation and stated learning outcomes


Keywords:
digital badges, digital badging, competency badges, engagement badges, DCS 
Doc ID:
160479
Owned by:
Jessica P. in Learning Engineering Group
Created:
2026-04-03
Updated:
2026-05-18
Sites:
DCS Learning Engineering Group