CIOB has launched a digital badging scheme that will allow its members, fellows and technical members to showcase their professional competence in a modern, verifiable format.
The technology, powered by Credly, is part of the institute’s push to support members in a digital-first construction industry and promote modern professionalism. It is the first major professional body in the built environment to introduce digital badging.
CIOB’s digital badges are designed to provide a trusted, portable way for members to display their verified achievements and skills to clients, employers and peers. Unlike paper-based certificates, these digital credentials are embedded with metadata which allows for real-time, transparent verification.
What are digital badges?
Digital badges are secure online representations of professional achievements, backed by metadata that verifies the skills, criteria and awarding organisation.
Badges can be easily shared across networks like LinkedIn and in email signatures, making accomplishments visible in a digital-first job market.
- Each badge links to a detailed record confirming the holder’s qualification or membership status, ensuring instant validation.
- Digital badges are considered to be more adaptable, interactive and harder to fake than traditional credentials.
“The construction industry is evolving, and so are the ways we recognise and share professional achievements,” said Ruth Kennedy-Green, CIOB director of membership. “At CIOB, we are proud to introduce digital badges for our members and fellows – a dynamic way to showcase competence, commitment, and excellence in the built environment.
“Whether you are an MCIOB, FCIOB or TechCIOB, your badge reflects your dedication to raising standards in the industry and your adherence to the highest levels of professionalism.”
Building trust
Digital badging is increasingly used across industries to align professional recognition with digital platforms and workflows. CIOB sees its introduction as a means of building trust and enabling clarity, which will also help members stand out in a competitive jobs market.
“Digital badges amplify professional recognition,” Kennedy-Green said. “They provide an accessible, verified way for members to highlight their achievements. More than just graphics, these badges are loaded with metadata that verifies your skills, qualifications, and the criteria met to earn them.”
The system will help individuals and the wider sector, she explained. “For the industry, these badges create clarity and confidence. Employers and clients can quickly identify individuals with verified expertise, ensuring that projects are led by competent and capable professionals.”
CIOB believes the launch aligns with wider changes in how professional skills are recognised.
“This initiative is about recognising modern professionalism,” said Kennedy-Green. “It’s no longer just about what you know – it’s about how you share and apply that knowledge in a rapidly changing world, with digital badges providing a trusted and transparent way to showcase your credentials.
“Your expertise deserves to be celebrated. This is just one of the ways we’re helping you shine.”
CIOB digital badges – what members should expect
CIOB members and fellows will receive an email invitation from Credly by the end of May.
Once accepted, the process to claim and share a badge is straightforward. Users simply follow the instructions to set up a Credly account, claim their badge and start sharing it across platforms like LinkedIn, CVs and email signatures.
The current rollout focuses on core membership categories, but CIOB has plans to expand the scheme to its other products and services, such as courses and certifications delivered via CIOB Academy.
