World Education Services has issued a new set of ‘digital badges’ to a select group of clients in a move the global company will revolutionize the way qualifications are recognized around the world.

WES advocates for worldwide qualification recognition in the US and Canada, and along with Credly, is revealing a new blockchain-led technology to confirm and share the accreditation digitally.

The new product will utilize the same technology that’s behind cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which secures networks and personal information.

The decentralized nature of blockchains means no user’s information is held solely in one place, and no changes can be made to a system (or ‘chain’) unless the same change is made to each ‘block’ of the network.

“Digital badges are a natural extension of [WES’] work,” said Mariam Assefa, WES executive director.

“They allow holders to make their international educational qualifications both visible and verifiable online, and to share them when and how they want. The blockchain is an added value. It allows us to ensure the integrity of WES-issued educational verifications,” she added.

The badges will be displayable on social media platforms, including professional networks like LinkedIn. This will allow the holders to provide ‘one-click verification’ for employers and institutions.

Jonathan Finkelstein, founder, and CEO of Credly said the new product, and technology behind it can be especially useful for international clients and credential holders.

“As individuals and organizations leverage digital credentials to unlock opportunities, blockchain brings another important layer of validation and trust, [which] is especially relevant to international audiences,” he said.