2000+
badges issued daily
82%
of learners motivated by badges
5,000+
badge programs available
61%
of hiring managers value badges
What This Is and Why You Should Care
Digital badges are like online certificates that prove you have a specific skill or knowledge. Think of them as mini-degrees that you can display on LinkedIn, your resume, or your personal website. They’re especially popular in tech, marketing, and project management fields, but you’ll find badges in almost every industry now.
But here’s the catch: many badges require prerequisites—other badges, courses, or experience you need to have before you can earn the shiny new one. If you’re a beginner, this can feel like a maze. You might wonder, “Do I need this other badge first? How do I even start?”
This guide will demystify badge prerequisites. You’ll learn:
- What prerequisites are and why they exist
- Key terms you’ll encounter
- How to plan your first 30 days
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Where to find reliable resources
By the end, you’ll have a clear path to earning badges that actually matter for your career—even if you’re starting from zero.
Real stats: According to the Credly 2024 Report, 92% of organizations now use digital badges, and 61% of hiring managers say badges positively influence their hiring decisions. That’s a powerful reason to start badging today.
Key Terms You Need to Know
Before diving in, let’s define the jargon. Don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple.
- Badge
- A digital credential that represents a skill, achievement, or competency. It includes metadata like the issuer, criteria, and date earned.
- Prerequisite
- A requirement you must meet before you can earn a specific badge. It could be another badge, a course, a test score, or work experience.
- Stackable Credentials
- A series of badges that build on each other. You earn a foundational badge, then an intermediate, then an advanced—like building blocks.
- Issuer
- The organization that creates and awards the badge. Examples: Google, Coursera, Microsoft, or a university.
- Earner
- That’s you! The person who completes the requirements and receives the badge.
- Metadata
- The data embedded in a badge that proves its authenticity—like the date issued, the criteria, and a link to the evidence.
- Open Badges
- A technical standard (created by IMS Global) that makes badges portable across platforms like LinkedIn, Mozilla Backpack, and more.
- Micro-Credential
- A small, focused credential that represents a specific skill. Badges are a type of micro-credential.
- Learning Pathway
- A recommended sequence of courses or badges to achieve a goal. Often maps out prerequisites.
- Skill Assessment
- A test or project that evaluates your current skill level. Sometimes used as a prerequisite or to waive one.
- Badge Wallet
- An app or platform where you store and display your badges. Examples: Credly Acclaim, Badgr, or LinkedIn.
- Validation
- The process of verifying that you met the badge criteria. Some badges require a proctored exam or peer review.
The Fundamentals of Badge Prerequisites
Why Prerequisites Exist
Prerequisites ensure that badge earners have the necessary background to understand and apply the skill. They protect the badge’s value—if anyone could earn it without foundation, the credential would lose credibility. For example, a “Data Science Intermediate” badge might require a “Data Science Foundations” badge because the intermediate level assumes you already know basic statistics and Python.
Types of Prerequisites
Prerequisites come in several flavors:
- Badge prerequisites: You must earn a specific badge first. Common in stackable series.
- Course prerequisites: You need to complete a particular course (often from the same issuer).
- Experience prerequisites: You need a certain number of years working in a field, or a specific job role.
- Assessment prerequisites: You must pass a placement test or submit a portfolio.
- Time-based prerequisites: Some badges require you to have held a related credential for a minimum period (e.g., 1 year after earning the foundational badge).
How to Find Prerequisites
Most badge programs clearly list prerequisites on the badge detail page. Look for sections labeled “Prerequisites,” “Requirements,” “How to Earn,” or “Criteria.” If it’s not obvious, check the issuer’s website or FAQ. Avoid guesswork—prerequisites are usually non-negotiable.
Assessing Your Current Skills
Before you start chasing badges, take stock of what you already know. You might already meet some prerequisites from prior learning, work experience, or even other certifications. This is where a Skill Audit Engine can help: it maps your existing skills against common badge frameworks, showing you exactly which prerequisites you’ve already fulfilled and which gaps you need to fill. It’s like a GPS for your badging journey.
Your First 30 Days: A Roadmap for Beginners
Here’s a step-by-step plan to start earning badges—even if you have zero prerequisites right now.
Days 1-5: Explore and Identify
- Pick a field you’re interested in (e.g., digital marketing, data analytics, project management).
- Search for popular badge programs: Google Career Certificates, Microsoft Learn, AWS Training, LinkedIn Learning, HubSpot Academy, etc.
- List 3-5 badges you’d like to earn, noting their prerequisites.
Days 6-10: Map Your Learning Pathway
- For each target badge, list all prerequisites. Look for patterns—many badges share common foundations.
- Identify the most fundamental prerequisite: often a “Foundations” or “Essentials” badge. Start there.
- Create a simple checklist: “Prerequisite 1 → Prerequisite 2 → Target Badge.”
Days 11-20: Fill Gaps
- Enroll in free or low-cost courses to meet prerequisites. For example, if you need “Data Basics,” take a free course on Khan Academy or Coursera.
- Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to learning. Consistency beats cramming.
- Use the Skill Audit Engine weekly to track progress and adjust your plan.
Days 21-30: Earn Your First Badge
- Complete the requirements for your foundational badge. This could be a short quiz or a project.
- Submit any required evidence (e.g., a portfolio piece).
- Once awarded, display it on LinkedIn (most issuers allow one-click sharing).
- Celebrate! Then plan your next badge.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Mistake 1: Skipping Prerequisites
The fix: Don’t jump into advanced badges because they look impressive. You’ll waste time and get frustrated. Always start with foundational credentials.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Badge Metadata
The fix: Check the metadata to see the criteria and validation process. Some badges require proctored exams; others just a self-assessment. Know what you’re signing up for.
Mistake 3: Collecting Too Many Badges at Once
The fix: Focus on one badge at a time. Multitasking leads to half-finished prerequisites. Choose a pathway and stick with it.
Mistake 4: Not Verifying Issuer Credibility
The fix: Research the issuer. A badge from a recognized company (Google, Microsoft) or accredited institution is worth more than an obscure one. Check reviews and industry recognition.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to Display Badges
The fix: Once earned, add badges to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and email signature. Many issuers provide a shareable link. Don’t let them sit in your badge wallet.
Mistake 6: Overlooking Free Alternatives
The fix: Prerequisites often have free options. Before paying for a course, search for free versions on platforms like edX, Coursera audit, or YouTube. Use the free tier to gauge your interest.
Mistake 7: Not Aligning Badges with Goals
The fix: Choose badges that support your career goal, not just because they’re popular. For example, if you want to become a data analyst, prioritize badges like “Google Data Analytics” over “AWS Cloud Practitioner” unless you need both.
Resources to Go Deeper
- Credly – The largest badge platform, with a directory of programs.
- IMS Global Open Badges – The technical standard, with a list of compliant issuers.
- LinkedIn Learning – Offers badges that automatically show on your profile.
- Coursera – Many professional certificates with clear prerequisites.
- HubSpot Academy – Free marketing, sales, and customer service badges.
- Microsoft Learn – Role-based learning paths with prerequisite modules.
- Badgr – Another badge platform that supports Open Badges.
“When I wanted to switch from retail to IT, I felt overwhelmed by all the badge prerequisites. Using the Skill Audit Engine helped me see that I already had transferable skills like customer service and problem-solving. I started with the CompTIA IT Fundamentals badge, then moved to A+. Within six months, I landed a help desk job. The prerequisites weren’t barriers—they were stepping stones.”
— Sarah Thompson, former retail manager now IT specialist
Deep Dive: Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: You Want a Google Career Certificate
Google’s certificates (e.g., Data Analytics, Project Management) often recommend prerequisites but don’t strictly require them. However, you’ll succeed only if you have basic digital literacy and, for data, some comfort with spreadsheets. If you lack these, take a free “Computer Basics” course first. The Google certificate itself can then be a prerequisite for advanced industry badges (e.g., Tableau Specialist).
Scenario 2: You’re Eyeing an AWS Certification
AWS certifications have strict prerequisites. For example, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner requires no prior AWS experience, but the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate recommends 1+ year of hands-on experience. As a beginner, start with the Cloud Practitioner badge. Then you can use it to meet prerequisites for Associate-level badges. Don’t skip this—employers check.
Scenario 3: Stacking in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity badges often stack: CompTIA Security+ requires the CompTIA Network+ or equivalent knowledge. If you don’t have Network+, you can take a self-study course and pass the exam. Some programs allow you to take the prerequisite badge exam without taking the full course—check the issuer’s policy.
Insider Tips for Beginners
- Look for “Level” Indicators: Many badges are labeled Foundation/Intermediate/Advanced. Always start at the lowest level.
- Use Transferable Credits: If you have a related degree or certification, email the issuer to ask if it waives a prerequisite. Some do.
- Join Communities: Reddit (r/badging, r/digitalcredentials) and LinkedIn groups have members who share prerequisite shortcuts.
- Leverage Free Trials: Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer free trials. Complete prerequisite courses within that window.
- Track Your Progress: Use a simple spreadsheet or the Skill Audit Engine to monitor which prerequisites you’ve completed and which remain.
- Don’t Overlook Soft Skills: Some badges (e.g., leadership) require peer recommendations or a portfolio of past projects. Document your work early.
Pro Tip: If a prerequisite is “2 years of experience” and you don’t have it, consider building a portfolio of projects that simulate that experience. Many issuers accept portfolio evidence in lieu of formal years.
Future Trends: Prerequisites in Evolving Badge Systems
As digital badging matures, prerequisites are becoming more dynamic. Some issuers now use adaptive learning platforms that assess your current knowledge and recommend only the prerequisites you actually lack. Others are experimenting with “pre-requisite bundles” – a single course that covers multiple prerequisites. Stay updated by following IMS Global and Credly announcements.