VILNIUS TECH Digital Badges

A DIGITAL BADGE is a secure and reliable technology that recognizes and validates diverse achievements. When a badge is issued, its image automatically records metadata about the recipient, issuer, date of issue, accomplishments, completed tasks, and the organizations verifying the badge.

Each VILNIUS TECH digital badge is linked to several of the 17 transferable skills: critical thinking and problem-solving, analytical thinking, creativity, communication, engineering thinking, leadership, international and intercultural skills, sustainability and social responsibility, media and AI literacy, digital content creation and programming, experimentation and technical creativity, scientific literacy, financial and economic literacy, cultural awareness and expression.

Possession of these skills is documented in a COMPETENCY PORTFOLIO, which VILNIUS TECH students can receive alongside their university diploma.

A digital badge is a verified, secure and easily shareable digital credential that demonstrates the competences, activities or achievements a student has acquired. It includes information about the activity, date, assessment criteria, competences and the issuing institution.

Digital badges:

• clearly display acquired competences;

• are verifiable and cannot be falsified;

• can be easily shared on LinkedIn, in a CV or in a portfolio;

• are stored in one place – the student’s profile.

They represent a more modern and precise version of traditional certificates.

• By participating in an event or lecture;

• By engaging in non-formal learning activities (such as volunteering, clubs or mentoring);

• By completing a task or mission;

• By achieving a competence level (Levels: START, RISE, GROW, UBER).

Depending on the activity, badge evidence may be verified by:

• faculties;

• organisational units;

• project leaders;

• the Students’ Union (SA);

• the Career and Services Centre.

Each digital badge clearly indicates the approving authority.

An event badge may be registered by academic or administrative staff by completing the form no later than three days before the event.

In the form (DIGITAL BADGE REGISTRATION – Fill out form), the following information must be provided: the event title, date, time and location; the speaker or their organisation (or visiting lecturer and their university); a short description detailing what participants did and learned; the duration of the event; two to three competences; and the name and unit of the registering person. A badge is created only when sufficient information is provided.

The method of issuing the badge must be indicated in the form: either by QR code during the event or after the event based on the list of participants. If issuing during the event is selected, a prepared slide with a QR code will be sent by email once the badge has been created. This slide must be shown during the event or displayed at the venue. It is important to ensure that only participants who attended the event scan the badge.

An example of an event badge can be viewed here: Participant of the SSVA lecture “Why Do We Create Cities?” 2025.09.03.

A short introduction to the VILNIUS TECH digital badge system is available in a 10-minute YouTube video titled “Why Collect VILNIUS TECH Digital Badges?”.

Note: Digital badges may be collected not only by students, but also by VILNIUS TECH academic and administrative staff, as well as students and staff from other universities participating in BIP. All VILNIUS TECH digital badges are bilingual.

Digital badges may be created only for open activities intended for students that go beyond regular lectures. They are not awarded for scheduled study lectures included in the timetable.

This includes:

• Guest lectures by business representatives (company guests, industry experts, alumni);

• Lectures delivered by visiting academic staff (from other universities in Lithuania or abroad);

• Research events (seminars, research presentations, discussions, project results sessions);

• Career events (practical sessions, workshops, meetings with employers);

• International events (foreign lecturers, partner visits, BIP activities);

• Company visits.

If the event was held in a hybrid format or included an alternative option (such as completing a task or reflection), a badge may be awarded.

If physical attendance at the event was required, the badge is issued only upon proof of participation.

No, digital badges are not academic credits. However, they enhance your CV, strengthen your employability and demonstrate your engagement and development of competences.

Yes. An increasing number of organisations, including Google, IBM and European universities, recognise digital badges as a reliable proof of competences.

Employers can see:

• the competences acquired;

• a description of the activity;

• the date;

• the issuing authority responsible for the badge.

Yes, most digital badges are issued without an expiry date.

Some activities (for example, training linked to time-limited licences) may have a defined validity period. This information is clearly indicated on the badge.

In the Digital Badges catalogue, each event indicates whether participants will receive a badge and which competences it confirms.

An activity digital badge is awarded for ongoing or recurring activities that require greater engagement than a one-time event (for example, projects, committees, exhibitions, volunteering or initiatives). It may be awarded to both students and VILNIUS TECH staff.

To create an activity badge, a new activity must be registered using the activity badge form. The form requires the activity title, description, criteria, duration, competences and the responsible unit. Once the information has been approved, the badge is created and can be linked to META badges.

• Strengthen your CV and help you stand out in the job market;

• Support the creation of a personal competence portfolio;

• Confirm soft skills such as leadership, communication and initiative;

• Demonstrate active involvement in University life;

• Help you prepare your CV, motivation letters and job interviews.

No. Even if you delete the email, the badge remains saved in your profile.

Please contact the event organiser or email openbadges@vilniustech.lt.

Please send us an email – we will correct the information and issue an updated badge.

Yes, although this is not recommended. A badge can be hidden from public view, but it will remain in your profile.

Employers value:

• clearly defined competences;

• concrete examples of experience;

• engagement beyond formal studies.

Digital badges demonstrate that a candidate has not only studied, but has also been actively involved, gained practical experience, collaborated with others and developed qualities that are important in the labour market.