{"id":18297,"date":"2022-09-05T11:12:48","date_gmt":"2022-09-05T08:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.talentlms.com\/blog\/?p=18297"},"modified":"2024-11-04T17:38:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T15:38:16","slug":"training-badges-and-certifications-boost-learner-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.talentlms.com\/blog\/training-badges-and-certifications-boost-learner-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"Training badges and certifications: The cherry on top of your courses"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve won a gold medal for [insert favorite sport]<\/em> in the Olympics. During the award ceremony, standing high on the podium, it\u2019s placed around your neck. Crowds cheer, cameras flash. The medal\u2019s heavy. You can feel the weight of the gold and see it glittering in the sun. Having that medal matters.<\/strong> It matters a lot. And being able to share your achievement with others matters, too.<\/p>\n

But the pride you feel goes deeper. It\u2019s what the medal symbolizes that carries the most weight: Hard work, dedication, commitment, and achievement.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It may not be the Olympics, but in the world of eLearning, reward and recognition matter, too.<\/p>\n

Having something tangible that can be shared, but also symbolizes attainment and credibility, is important for a number of different reasons. In this article, we look at training rewards in eLearning<\/strong>. Specifically, the use of training badges and certifications to motivate and reward learners.<\/p>\n

On the surface, it\u2019s a subject that seems pretty straightforward. But to achieve results, gain engagement, and maximize impact, there\u2019s actually a lot to consider.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Time to step off the podium and find out more.<\/p>\n

What are certifications and badges and how can they motivate learners?<\/h2>\n

In the world of eLearning, badges and certifications act as digital credentials<\/a><\/strong>. They\u2019re a form of physical proof that can be displayed, shared, and verified online.<\/strong> But their value is also in what they symbolize. Whether it\u2019s a certificate confirming credentials such as skills achieved and assessments passed. Or a badge acknowledging activity milestones, or contribution to a course or project.<\/p>\n

Since COVID-19 and the rise in remote working and virtual networking, digital credentialing has become more common.<\/strong> But is using digital credentials such as training badges and certifications the best way to motivate learners? And, if so, how and why?<\/p>\n

What\u2019s in it for me?<\/h3>\n

Faced with a task to complete or an action to perform, most people want to know what they\u2019ll gain from the activity.<\/strong> Fair enough. After all, if you\u2019re putting effort into something, it\u2019s natural to want something in return. Some rewards (intrinsic rewards) will emerge organically from the activity or task. The individual will feel or experience the benefits within themselves. In training, for example, there\u2019s usually a skill, competency, or behavior that participants will automatically acquire.<\/p>\n

But sometimes, this may not be enough to spark true engagement throughout.<\/strong> Or motivation to engage in the first place.<\/p>\n

Sometimes you need extrinsic rewards.<\/strong> These are external forms of recognition.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s where training badges and certifications come in. Badges and certifications qualify an individual\u2019s achievements in a tangible way, providing formal rewards and recognition for efforts invested.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How did I do?<\/h3>\n

Peer-to-peer approbation is a powerful motivator.<\/strong> And these digital credentials offer learners tangible and physical rewards they can showcase. Employees can share them internally within your organization but also externally with industry contacts and others in their network.<\/p>\n

They can also see where they stand compared to their peers.<\/p>\n

Used in the right way, badges and certifications can motivate learners by encouraging a friendly rivalry between participants. Leaderboards and points can also be used to support this. A healthy sense of competition can be a powerful tactic when it comes to eLearning. A form of gamification, awarding badges for finishing key tasks makes training more enticing and prompts people to come back<\/strong> to continue a course.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s have a bit of fun!<\/h3>\n

Training badges and certifications make learning more enjoyable<\/strong>, too. Sometimes training (particularly mandatory training) can be perceived as a chore. Gamification in the workplace<\/strong><\/a> and the use of rewards such as training badges and certifications create an element of fun that transforms learning from a task to be completed into an activity to be experienced.<\/p>\n

Fun fact:<\/strong> Based on a TalentLMS survey<\/a><\/strong>, 83% of those who receive gamified training feel motivated, while 61% of those who receive non-gamified training feel bored and unproductive. Ergo: Fun works.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Training<\/p>\n

Engage your learners with a gamified platform
\n<\/strong>Turn training into an addictive, habit-building game with TalentLMS.<\/span>
\nEasy to use, easy to customize, easy to love.<\/span>\"Create<\/a><\/p>\n

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Additional benefits of badges and certifications<\/h2>\n

As we\u2019ve seen, badges and certifications can help motivate learners in a number of ways. But their benefits don\u2019t end there. Let\u2019s take a look at some of their other advantages:<\/p>\n

Demonstrate value<\/h3>\n

Creating and providing rewards such as training badges and certifications shows employees you care about their career development<\/strong><\/a> and success. It elevates training by making it a reciprocal arrangement where both parties are mutually invested in the activity and the outcome. It shows your employee you value them.<\/strong> And that you value learning.<\/p>\n

Measure progress<\/h3>\n

Attaching certifications and badges to courses is a good way to evaluate knowledge and attainment.<\/strong> Using this data, your HR team can generate reports and share achievements with stakeholders across the business. They can also evaluate areas of success.<\/strong> And pinpoint areas that may need improvement or a different approach to grow motivation.<\/p>\n

Track compliance<\/h3>\n

It may not be the most exciting collection of courses in your portfolio, but compliance training<\/a><\/strong> matters. Unlike other L&D programs, it also requires an ongoing commitment. Most compliance courses<\/strong><\/a> have a sell-by date of a year or so. With the expiration data stored in your system, dated digital certifications are a useful way of tracking the status of your compliance courses.<\/strong> And activating reminders.<\/p>\n

Make the right hire<\/h3>\n

Digital training badges and certifications are useful internally. But also have relevance outside your organization. Used by hiring teams, they\u2019re objective proof that a candidate has a particular skill<\/strong> or area of knowledge. And are a good way of shortlisting candidates. They’re also useful when hiring internally. For example, when you want to promote current employees or transfer them to another role or department.<\/p>\n

\"Training<\/p>\n

Choose the right platform: Badges and certifications made easy<\/h2>\n

Training rewards such as badges and certifications carry weight. They\u2019re valued by both you and your employees. So you need to make sure they\u2019re administered correctly. This can take time for your HR team and instructors. And can become increasingly complex with multiple courses and employees to manage. The answer is to choose an automated training platform<\/a><\/strong> or Learning Management System (LMS) that can do it all for you.<\/p>\n

So, when it comes to LMS rewards, what should you look for? Tick all of these off and you\u2019ve chosen well:<\/p>\n