Using Digital Badges to Verify ASCP BOC Credentials

American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) digital badges offer a modern and secure method to verify an individual’s ASCP BOC credential. Issued through Credly, these badges provide real-time primary source verification (PSV), and can be shared on professional platforms, email signatures, and digital materials.

Beginning in January 2026, digital badging is a part of the ASCP BOC credentialing and Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) processes. The option to order PSV online remains available.

What is an ASCP BOC Digital Badge?

A digital badge is an online, visual representation of a verified achievement, such as earning an ASCP BOC credential or completing CMP to maintain a valid ASCP BOC credential. Each badge includes the following secure metadata:

  • Credential earned
  • Issue date
  • Expiration date

These badges allow colleagues, employers, and stakeholders to verify that a credential is authentic and active.

Why ASCP BOC Uses Digital Badging

Digital badges strengthen how ASCP BOC credentials are recognized and verified across the healthcare and laboratory workforce. They:

  • Provide secure, click-to-verify confirmation of credential status
  • Help prevent fraud through cryptographic protection
  • Improve transparency and verification efficiency
  • Increase the visibility of ASCP BOC credentials in digital spaces
Why are digital badges valuable

This initiative supports the ASCP BOC mission by ensuring credentials are both trusted and easily verifiable.

Benefits for ASCP BOC Credentialed Professionals

Digital badges allow credential holders to:

  • Verify their credential instantly with a single click
  • Display their earned credentials on LinkedIn and other professional networks
  • Add their credentials to email signatures and digital résumés
  • Enhance personal websites and online profiles

Benefits for Employers and Verifiers

Employers, HR teams, and third-parties gain:

  • Real-time, authentic, and secure primary source verification of an individual’s credentials
  • Fraud-resistant credential confirmation
  • Streamlined verification workflows

The existing ASCP BOC PSV order process remains available.

Who Receives an ASCP BOC Digital Badge?

Beginning January 1, 2026:

  • Newly credentialed professionals receive a digital badge automatically
  • Credential holders who complete the CMP automatically receive a digital badge at the time of credential renewal

These badges are included as part of the credentialing and CMP process.

Optional Purchase for Existing Credential Holders

Beginning January 2026, individuals who wish to receive a digital badge before their next CMP renewal, or those who are not required to participate in CMP, may purchase a badge for $25.

How to Claim or Purchase a Digital Badge

For New Credential Holders

(January 2026 and After)

You will receive an email from Credly inviting you to claim your badge. To claim:

  1. Open the Credly email
  2. Select “Accept Badge”
  3. Create a Credly account or log in
  4. Begin sharing your badge
Claim Your Digital Badge

For Existing Credential Holders

(Optional Purchase After January 22)

If eligible to purchase:

  1. Visit the ASCP BOC “Purchase a Digital Badge” page
  2. Follow the instructions to complete your purchase (cost: $25)
  3. Open the Credly email
  4. Select “Accept Badge”
  5. Create or log in to your Credly account
  6. Begin sharing your badge

If you need any support, please visit this quick guide for helpful tips.

Don’t forget to share your accomplishment!

Learn how to share your ASCP BOC digital badge here!

Protecting Your Credentials

ASCP BOC credential verifying, sharing, and storing is easier than ever before! A digital badge is an online, visual representation of a verified achievement, such as earning an ASCP BOC credential or completing CMP renewal. ASCP BOC credentials are equipped with secure metadata to protect your credential and information.

The ASCP BOC has created a list of things you should do and things you should try to avoid after accepting your digital badge.

Make sure to

  • Celebrate your new credential and digital badge by sharing online and tagging the ASCP BOC accounts!
  • Add your badge to LinkedIn, Facebook, websites, email signatures, and résumés.
  • Send your profile to employers to verify your credentials.
  • Use multiple emails to never get locked out of your ASCP BOC digital badge.

Avoid

  • Posting images of your credential, examination score, or verification link.
  • Posting personal information about your examination (score, ASCP ID number, or other sensitive information).
  • Responding to emails about your digital badges that do not come directly from Credly or ASCP BOC.
  • Using one email on your Credly digital badge account.
Protecting your credentials

More information about Credly’s digital badges here.

Frequently Asked Questions

A digital badge is an online indicator of an earned credential, containing secure metadata that verifies authenticity and status.

Your digital badge remains active as long as your ASCP BOC credential is active. If your credential expires, the badge status will update accordingly.

No, while digital badges provide a secure option for real-time primary source verification (PSV), ordering PSV remains available through the ASCP BOC website.

State licensure agencies determine their own documentation requirements. Digital badges may be useful, but credential holders are responsible for understanding the requirements of their licensing body.

  • There is no additional cost for a digital badge for newly-credentialed individuals and those participating in the CMP beginning in January 2026.
  • There is a cost of $25 for existing credential holders who choose to purchase a badge outside of their CMP renewal cycle.

  • Name changes: Your badge will automatically update once your name is updated in ASCP BOC records. More information on how to request a name change can be found on the ASCP BOC website.
  • Email changes: By default, your badge is issued to your primary email address in your ASCP account. If your primary Credly account is associated with a different email address, you may add a secondary email address on your Credly profile to ensure continuity.

Credly has sharing instructions on their website.

For further information about Credly’s digital badges, please visit their website.

Looking Ahead

Digital badging represents a significant advancement in how ASCP BOC credentials are recognized and verified. This initiative strengthens trust, improves verification efficiency, and helps highlight the expertise of medical laboratory professionals worldwide.

The ASCP BOC looks forward to supporting credential holders and employers as digital badging becomes a key part of credential verification and professional visibility.