# ICoBC Academy

> Free web courses on digital badges, micro-credentials and verifiable credentials from the International Council on Badges and Credentials (ICoBC), Berlin. Learners pass a final check, download a certificate of completion (PDF) and can upgrade it to a signed Open Badges 3.0 credential for EUR 110 plus VAT after an identity check and a competence check.

Key facts:
- Provider: International Council on Badges and Credentials e.V. (ICoBC), Leibnizstr. 32, 10625 Berlin, Germany; info@icobc.net; main site https://www.icobc.net/
- Price: every web course is free; upgrade to a verifiable credential EUR 110 plus VAT (€130.90 incl. 19% German VAT) per certificate
- Certificate: pass mark 80%, 2 attempts; the PDF is self-issued and not verifiable on its own
- Framework: ICoBC Credentialing Skills Framework (ICSF): 17 skills in five VRITE groups (Value, Rigor, Impact, Trustworthiness, Experience), levels L1 Contribute to L5 Shape, stages Knowledge, Ability, Competency; alignment code e.g. ICSF-CRDS-L1-K
- Courses award Knowledge or Ability; Competency only through V-series work-based validations
- Open content: courses in LiaScript (Markdown) on GitHub https://github.com/ICoBC; changes via branch and pull request (merge request)
- Also available as a SCORM 1.2 package for learning management systems

## Main pages

- [Course catalogue](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/): all 63 courses; every course has a public page with outcomes, workload, level and framework alignment
- [Learning pathways](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/): 11 role-based pathways
- [Skills framework ICSF](https://academy.icobc.net/framework/): skills, levels and stages
- [Verifiable credentials](https://academy.icobc.net/verifiable-credentials/): upgrade process, validation, price
- [Contribute](https://academy.icobc.net/contribute/): GitHub, LiaScript, pull requests
- [FAQ](https://academy.icobc.net/faq/)
- [Full text for LLMs](https://academy.icobc.net/llms-full.txt)

## Courses: Foundation (10)

- [ICB-F01 Digital Badges and Credentials Essentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f01/): What badges, micro-credentials and verifiable credentials are, and what makes one worth trusting. Foundation, Knowledge, L1 Contribute, 3 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f01/
- [ICB-F02 Micro-credentials in Europe: the Council Recommendation in Practice](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f02/): The European approach to micro-credentials and what it asks of issuers. Foundation, Knowledge, L2 Operate, 3 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f02/
- [ICB-F03 Earn, Claim and Share Your Credentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f03/): A practical guide for earners, from accepting a badge to using it in an application. Foundation, Ability, L1 Contribute, 1.5 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f03/
- [ICB-F04 Checking a Digital Credential: What Verification Proves](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f04/): For recruiters, admissions officers and anyone who receives credentials. Foundation, Ability, L1 Contribute, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f04/
- [ICB-F05 Skills Language 101: Frameworks, Taxonomies and Levels](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f05/): How skills are named and levelled, and why shared language makes credentials portable. Foundation, Knowledge, L1 Contribute, 2.5 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f05/
- [ICB-F06 Digital Identity and the EUDI Wallet: Essentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f06/): What the European Digital Identity Wallet is, what it changes for credentials, and what it leaves unchanged. Foundation, Knowledge, L1 Contribute, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f06/
- [ICB-F07 AI Literacy for Recognition Work](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f07/): What staff who design, assess or verify credentials need to know about AI. Foundation, Knowledge, L1 Contribute, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f07/
- [ICB-F08 Accessible and Inclusive Credentials: the Basics](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f08/): Small design choices that decide who can earn, read and use a credential. Foundation, Knowledge, L1 Contribute, 1.5 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f08/
- [ICB-F09 Quality in Credentialing: How Trust Is Built](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f09/): An introduction to quality assurance for credentials and to the VRITE criteria. Foundation, Knowledge, L1 Contribute, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f09/
- [ICB-F10 Data Protection Basics for Credential Issuers](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-f10/): The personal data inside a credential and the duties that come with it. Foundation, Knowledge, L1 Contribute, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-f10/

## Courses: Practitioner (21)

- [ICB-P01 Designing a Credential: Claim, Criteria, Evidence and Metadata](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p01/): Turn a learning or work activity into a credential that means something to a reader. Practitioner, Ability, L2 Operate, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p01/
- [ICB-P02 Assessment Design for Credentials: Valid, Reliable, Fair](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p02/): Assessment that produces evidence for the claim, and holds up when someone checks. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 12 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p02/
- [ICB-P03 Pathways and Stackable Credentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p03/): Connecting credentials into routes that lead to roles and qualifications. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p03/
- [ICB-P04 Visual Design Systems for Badges](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p04/): Badge images that carry meaning consistently across a portfolio. Practitioner, Ability, L2 Operate, 4 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p04/
- [ICB-P05 Aligning Credentials to Skills Frameworks](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p05/): Practical alignment to ESCO, SFIA and the EQF. Practitioner, Ability, L2 Operate, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p05/
- [ICB-P06 Recognising Prior and Non-formal Learning with Credentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p06/): Routes that credential what people already know. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p06/
- [ICB-P07 Open Badges 3.0 and Verifiable Credentials: Hands-on Lab](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p07/): Issue, inspect, verify and revoke standard credentials in a sandbox. Practitioner, Ability, L2 Operate, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p07/
- [ICB-P08 European Learning Model and European Digital Credentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p08/): The European way to describe and issue learning achievements. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p08/
- [ICB-P09 Choosing a Credential Platform Without Lock-in](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p09/): Vendor-neutral requirements, scoring and contracts. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p09/
- [ICB-P10 Integrating Credentials with Learning and HR Systems](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p10/): Data flows from completion to credential to talent record. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p10/
- [ICB-P11 Running Credential Operations](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p11/): Issuing, correcting, expiring and revoking credentials day to day. Practitioner, Ability, L2 Operate, 5 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p11/
- [ICB-P12 Privacy by Design for Credential Programmes](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p12/): A data protection impact assessment, done properly. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p12/
- [ICB-P13 Designing the Earner Experience](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p13/): From claim rates to career use. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p13/
- [ICB-P14 Inclusive Credential Programmes](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p14/): Universal Design for Learning, accessibility and fair outcomes. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p14/
- [ICB-P15 Measuring What Credentials Change](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p15/): Evaluation basics for credential programmes. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p15/
- [ICB-P16 Skills-Based Hiring and Internal Mobility with Credentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p16/): Using credentials as evidence in selection and career moves. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p16/
- [ICB-P17 Engaging Verifiers and Employers](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p17/): Making credentials count outside the issuing organisation. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p17/
- [ICB-P18 Preparing for Quality Review: the VRITE Self-Assessment](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p18/): The Maturity Check, evidence and improvement plan before applying for the Global Quality Seal. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p18/
- [ICB-P19 Using AI to Draft Outcomes, Rubrics and Metadata Responsibly](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p19/): A documented method for AI-assisted credential design. Practitioner, Ability, L2 Operate, 4 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p19/
- [ICB-P20 Credential Champions: Getting Adoption Inside Your Organisation](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p20/): Stakeholders, champions and the move from pilot to routine. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p20/
- [ICB-P21 Building the Business Case for a Credential Programme](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-p21/): Purpose, value, costs and success measures that a sponsor will approve. Practitioner, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-p21/

## Courses: Advanced (13)

- [ICB-A01 Credential Portfolio Strategy](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a01/): Architecture, governance and funding for a growing credential portfolio. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 12 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a01/
- [ICB-A02 Assessment Integrity in the Age of Generative AI](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a02/): Keeping assessment evidence trustworthy when AI can produce the work. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a02/
- [ICB-A03 Workplace-Based Competency Assessment](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a03/): Assessing competency in context, against a level-based framework. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a03/
- [ICB-A04 Framework Crosswalks and Levelling](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a04/): Where corporate and education alignment meet. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a04/
- [ICB-A05 Internal Quality Assurance for Credential Issuers](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a05/): Quality between reviews: approval, monitoring and periodic review. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 12 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a05/
- [ICB-A06 Issuing into the EUDI Wallet: Technical Readiness](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a06/): Formats, protocols, trust and onboarding for issuers of education and employment credentials. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a06/
- [ICB-A07 Accepting Wallet Credentials as a Relying Party](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a07/): For employers, universities and professional bodies that will request wallet credentials. Advanced, Ability, L3 Enable, 6 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a07/
- [ICB-A08 Credential Fraud, Credential Mills and Security Threats](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a08/): Threat modelling and controls for credential systems. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a08/
- [ICB-A09 Impact Assessment with Labour-Market Data](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a09/): Showing what a credential is worth in the labour market. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a09/
- [ICB-A10 Governing AI in Assessment and Skills Inference](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a10/): Preparing for the AI Act's high-risk duties in education and employment. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a10/
- [ICB-A11 Recognition Agreements Across Borders and Sectors](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a11/): Structured methods for mutual recognition of credentials. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a11/
- [ICB-A12 Workforce Planning with Skills and Credential Data](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a12/): From credential data to workforce decisions. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a12/
- [ICB-A13 Scaling Credential Programmes: Governance and Operations](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-a13/): From a successful pilot to a permanent service. Advanced, Ability, L4 Assure, 8 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-a13/

## Courses: Leadership (3)

- [ICB-L01 Executive Briefing: Credentials as Strategic Infrastructure](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-l01/): Two hours for leaders who must decide whether, when and how. Leadership, Knowledge, L5 Shape, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-l01/
- [ICB-L02 Designing Recognition Ecosystems for Sectors and Regions](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-l02/): Governance, standards, quality and funding for recognition at scale. Leadership, Ability, L5 Shape, 16 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-l02/
- [ICB-L03 Regulatory Horizon for Credential Leaders](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-l03/): Wallets, AI, data and micro-credential rules on one timeline. Leadership, Ability, L5 Shape, 4 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-l03/

## Courses: Horizon (6)

- [ICB-H01 European Business Wallets: What They Could Mean for Credentials](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-h01/): A short briefing on a proposal still in negotiation. Horizon, Knowledge, L3 Enable, 1.5 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-h01/
- [ICB-H02 Agentic AI in Learning and Recognition: What Could Go Wrong](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-h02/): Agents that request, hold and present credentials, and the controls they need. Horizon, Ability, L4 Assure, 4 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-h02/
- [ICB-H03 Selective Disclosure and Privacy-Preserving Proofs](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-h03/): What wallet privacy promises rest on. Horizon, Knowledge, L4 Assure, 3 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-h03/
- [ICB-H04 AI Skills Inference: Evidence or Guesswork?](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-h04/): Inferred skill profiles compared with credentialed skills. Horizon, Knowledge, L3 Enable, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-h04/
- [ICB-H05 Learning and Employment Records](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-h05/): From single badges to comprehensive, learner-held records. Horizon, Knowledge, L3 Enable, 2 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-h05/
- [ICB-H06 Long-Lived Credentials and Post-Quantum Cryptography](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-h06/): Planning for signatures that must outlast their algorithms. Horizon, Knowledge, L4 Assure, 1.5 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-h06/

## Courses: Quality network (4)

- [ICB-R01 Global Quality Seal: Lead Reviewer Training](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-r01/): Applying VRITE consistently in desk review and interview. Quality network, Ability, L4 Assure, 16 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-r01/
- [ICB-R02 Reviewer Calibration Workshop](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-r02/): Annual calibration of Lead Reviewers on shared cases. Quality network, Ability, L4 Assure, 4 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-r02/
- [ICB-R03 Accredited Partner Programme: Running the Maturity Check](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-r03/): Preparing clients for the Seal without crossing into review. Quality network, Ability, L3 Enable, 10 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-r03/
- [ICB-R04 Independence and Conflicts of Interest in the Quality Network](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-r04/): The firewall between consulting and review. Quality network, Knowledge, L3 Enable, 1.5 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-r04/

## Courses: Validation (6)

- [ICB-V01 Competency Validation: Credential Designer](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-v01/): Proof that you design credentials to standard in live work. Validation, Competency, L3 Enable, 15 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-v01/
- [ICB-V02 Competency Validation: Assessment Lead](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-v02/): Proof that you lead assessment to standard in live work. Validation, Competency, L4 Assure, 18 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-v02/
- [ICB-V03 Competency Validation: Credential Programme Lead](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-v03/): Proof that you lead a credential programme to standard. Validation, Competency, L4 Assure, 18 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-v03/
- [ICB-V04 Competency Validation: Credential Technologist](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-v04/): Proof that you run standard-conformant credential technology in live work. Validation, Competency, L3 Enable, 15 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-v04/
- [ICB-V05 ICoBC Certified Lead Reviewer](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-v05/): Certification for reviewers who conduct Global Quality Seal reviews. Validation, Competency, L4 Assure, 20 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-v05/
- [ICB-V06 ICoBC Accredited Partner](https://academy.icobc.net/catalogue/icb-v06/): Accreditation for consultants who prepare clients for the Seal. Validation, Competency, L3 Enable, 15 hours, free. Module: https://academy.icobc.net/courses/icb-v06/

## Pathways

- [PW01 Credential Programme Lead (corporate)](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw01-credential-programme-lead-corporate/): From sponsorship to a running programme in a company academy. Starts with the executive briefing so the sponsor and the lead share one picture. 9 steps, 71 hours. End credential: ICB-V03 Credential Programme Lead (STRV L4 Competency).
- [PW02 Micro-credential Designer (education)](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw02-micro-credential-designer-education/): The core design and assessment route for providers who build micro-credentials that meet the European standard elements. 8 steps, 61.5 hours. End credential: ICB-V01 Credential Designer (CRDS L3 Competency).
- [PW03 Assessment Lead](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw03-assessment-lead/): For people responsible for assessment quality, including the response to generative AI and workplace assessment. 7 steps, 61 hours. End credential: ICB-V02 Assessment Lead (ASMT L4 Competency).
- [PW04 Credential Technologist](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw04-credential-technologist/): Standards, platforms, operations and wallet readiness for technical staff in companies and education. 10 steps, 61 hours. End credential: ICB-V04 Credential Technologist (STND L3 Competency).
- [PW05 HR and Talent: Skills-Based Organisation](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw05-hr-and-talent-skills-based-organisation/): For HR teams who receive and use credentials. Ends at Ability because a talent competency validation is not yet defined; candidate for a future V-series item. 7 steps, 38.5 hours. End credential: Ability badges in TALN, SKTX and IDWL (no Competency validation yet).
- [PW06 Quality and Accreditation Lead](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw06-quality-and-accreditation-lead/): For issuers preparing for and maintaining the Global Quality Seal. 6 steps, 47 hours. End credential: Ability badges in QUAL and ASMT; route to the Global Quality Seal.
- [PW07 Policy and Ecosystem Lead](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw07-policy-and-ecosystem-lead/): For associations and public bodies that set standards and build recognition across organisations and borders. 6 steps, 39 hours. End credential: Ability badges in ECOS and POLR at L4 and L5.
- [PW08 Trustworthy AI in Recognition](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw08-trustworthy-ai-in-recognition/): For organisations using AI in design, assessment or skills data, preparing for the AI Act's high-risk duties. 6 steps, 30 hours. End credential: Ability badges in AIRC and ASMT at L4.
- [PW09 ICoBC Lead Reviewer](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw09-icobc-lead-reviewer/): The reviewer route promised on icobc.net: training, calibration, supervised reviews. 8 steps, 67.5 hours. End credential: ICB-V05 ICoBC Certified Lead Reviewer (QUAL L4 Competency).
- [PW10 ICoBC Accredited Partner](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw10-icobc-accredited-partner/): The partner route: Maturity Check, business case support and independence rules. 6 steps, 44.5 hours. End credential: ICB-V06 ICoBC Accredited Partner (QUAL L3 Competency).
- [PW11 Own Your Skills (earners)](https://academy.icobc.net/pathways/pw11-own-your-skills-earners/): A short route that member organisations can offer their earners. Builds confidence with credentials and wallets. 3 steps, 6 hours. End credential: Earner badges at L1.

## ICoBC

- [International Council on Badges and Credentials](https://www.icobc.net/): main website, services, Global Seal of Quality, membership, symposium
- [ICoBC auf Deutsch](https://www.icobc.net/de/)