Digital credentials - frequently asked questions
We’re all lifelong learners, so you have probably received more than a certificate or two before that reminds you of an achievement. A digital credential is a record of an achievement, and the TUC is now awarding them for training, skills and achievements.
Read on for some FAQs.
- What is a digital credential?
- What can I do with my credential?
- Why are digital credentials important?
- Isn't it just a certificate?
- How can I get a credential?
- How do I know if I will get a digital credential?
- Where can I share my credential?
- What can I learn next?
- What are practising digital credentials?
- Does my union offer practising digital credentials?
- I've received a TUC digital credential. What now?
- How do I share my digital credential?
What is a digital credential?
A TUC digital credential is evidence of having achieved a learning outcome, demonstrated a skill or attended an event. You may have received this credential because you have completed a training course or online module, demonstrated that you can do a particular skill or been to a seminar or conference. But a TUC digital credential isn’t just a pretty image. TUC credentials contain important information that provides context and details about what you achieved, and gives information about us.
Many organisations are now awarding digital credentials. You may also receive them via other training you do, your work, or even your interests outside work.
What can I do with my credential?
You’ll first find out that you have been awarded a TUC digital credential because you’ll have received an email about it. In the email, there will be a button asking you to claim your credential. In order to do this, you will need to join the TUC Acclaim platform. Once you’ve claimed your credential, you can share it on LinkedIn or other social media, or download it to add to your email signature. In a couple of clicks you can share your achievements and skills with others in your union or your employer.
Why are digital credentials important?
If you’ve been awarded a TUC digital credential, it means you have achieved something and the credential is recognition for this achievement. Take pride in your abilities and use your credential to show others what you can do and what you know. We all know that union reps are amazing, and you make a difference in the workplace everyday. It’s time to show what you know.
Isn't it just a certificate?
A digital credential from the TUC is everything a certificate is and more! Just like a certificate, a digital credential tells you or anyone you share your credential with what you have achieved, where you achieved it and who issues it. But unlike a conventional paper certificate, it can include so much more. There is no limit to the amount of information that a digital credential can carry. It can be shared widely and securely online, and. you'll never lose it!
How can I get a credential?
If a piece of TUC learning offers a digital credential for completing it, you will receive an email from ‘the TUC via Acclaim’. Acclaim is the service used by the TUC to issue digital credentials. Please keep a look out for this email. The email will contain a link to the Acclaim platform. If this is your first digital credential, you will need to create an account with Acclaim. You can then accept your credential.
How do I know if I will get a digital credential?
If a piece of TUC learning or training awards a digital credential, we will tell you! Look out in the introductory information, or if the credential is for an event or webinar, we will tell you.
We will award digital credentials for many different achievements - e.g. training modules, webinars and events. All our training fits into a learning pathway. Find out more about TUC training pathways.
Where can I share my credential?
Sharing your digital credential with others is a great way to tell them about what you have learned, and what you can do in your role as a union rep. You can also demonstrate that you have completed a piece of learning approved by the TUC or your own union. You can share your credential on: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or WhatsApp. You can also download the credential and add it to your email signature. The possibilities of who can find out about what you have learned are endless!
What can I learn next?
There is always another learning opportunity with the TUC or with your own union. Take a look at our information on learning pathways where you will see advice on other learning and training that will help you in your role.
What are practising digital credentials?
Digital credentials awarded for practising means that you have carried out a union activity in your workplace. For example: representing a member with a disciplinary or grievance; carrying out a mapping exercise or conducting a learning needs analysis.
Trade union practising credentials will be awarded by your union rather than the TUC.
Does my union offer digital credentials?
A small number of our affiliate unions are awarding digital credentials for their training courses, events and activities in your workplace. The best way to find out is to ask them! Ask the department or team that is responsible for training. If your union is interested in issuing digital credentials and want to find out more information, you can suggest that they get in touch with the TUC to discuss how we can help them to get started. They can get in touch on tuceducation@tuc.org.uk.
How do I share my digital credential?
After you have been notified that you have earned a digital credential, you need to accept it. In the email you will receive about your digital credential, there will be an option to accept it. If you have visited the digital credential website before, you will need to log in, then select accept to save the credential website to your profile. If you have not visited the digital credential before, you will need to create an account.
Once you have accepted your credential(s), select the one you would like to share, and look for the green 'Share' button at the top of the screen. You will then be able to select where to share your badge. Options include:
- download an image.