Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Badges
June 12, 2026
What is a digital badge?
A digital badge is a type of micro-credential you can earn by demonstrating competency in an in-demand skill. All digital badges awarded by Alamo Colleges are verified by micro-credentials that are shareable on social media and digital portfolios.
Why do I want a digital badge?
Digital badges are valuable because they:
- Belong to the badge earner
- Are shareable on e-portfolios and social media (i.e., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
- Are proof you can demonstrate a specific in-demand skill
- Allow you to discuss your experience with certain in-demand skills during the hiring process. For example, when a potential employer asks whether you are a "good team player," you can discuss your Collaboration digital badge and its activities and outcomes.
- Are also printable
How do I earn the digital badge?
To earn a digital badge, you must meet the specific requirements defined within your course or learning experience. These may include:
- Completing required assignments or skill-based assessments
- Achieving a minimum score or overall grade (e.g., 80% or higher)
- Demonstrating competency in key learning outcomes
In some cases, learners who do not meet the minimum criteria may have an opportunity to revise or retake assessments. Check with your instructor, facilitator, or program contact for details.
Where do I get the digital badge?
After you have met the requirements to earn the digital badge, the award is issued in one of the following ways:
If this is your first badge:
- You will receive an email from Parchment Digital Badges, the badging platform Alamo Colleges uses.
- This email will be sent to your Alamo student email address. If you are not a student at Alamo Colleges, an Alamo student account was created for you when you signed up for this course. You can access your student email by logging into ACES and clicking the Student Email button on the top right-hand side of the home page.
- Follow the instructions in the email to create an account using your Alamo email address.
- You can find your badge in your account (a.k.a. backpack) by signing into alamo.badges.parchment.com.
- If you already have a Parchment Digital Badge account:
- The badge goes directly to the account/backpack.
- You can log into alamo.badges.parchment.com to view the badge, share it online, or print a certificate.
For more information, visit How do I use the Parchment Digital Badges Backpack?
Why have I not received my badge?
Badges will not be awarded until all required criteria have been met, which may include:
- Completing all required assignments or skill-based assessments
- Achieving the minimum required score or overall grade (e.g., 80% or higher, if specified)
- Meeting any additional course or program requirements
If you do not meet the minimum criteria, you may have an opportunity to revise or retake an assessment, depending on course policies. Contact your instructor or program representative for more information.
How do I share a digital badge on LinkedIn?
To share a digital badge on LinkedIn, follow the instructions below:
- Log in to your account on alamo.badges.parchment.com using your Alamo student email address
- Go to your backpack
- Find the badge you want to share
- Click [Share] in the bottom right corner
- Select the tab labeled [Social]
- Decide to either share to profile or share to feed
- Select the symbol for LinkedIn (in) under the method you chose
For more information:
- Read this resource, How do I share my earned badges from my Parchment Digital Badges Backpack?
How do I upload a digital badge awarded from a different platform to my Parchment Digital Badges Backpack?
To import a badge from another badge platform into your Parchment Digital Badges Backpack, follow the steps in the Uploading Non-Parchment Digital Badges to a Backpack.