ACPA Launches "Open Badge Quality Assurance (Third-Party Certification)" Program
The Open Badge Network (OBN) and the Association for Certification of Professional Abilities (ACPA) have jointly announced the start of recruitment for third-party certification targeting Open Badge metadata, as part of ACPA's new "Open Badge Quality Assurance" program. This initiative aims to enhance the reliability and value of Open Badges by having third-party organizations with a proven track record in education and human resource development authenticate the metadata of issued badges. As this system is in its initial phase, the first certification will be provided free of charge.
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- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 19:10
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The General Incorporated Foundation Open Badge Network (Location: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "OBN") and the Non-Profit Organization Association for Certification of Professional Abilities (hereinafter "ACPA") jointly announce that ACPA has begun recruiting for third-party certification targeting Open Badge metadata, as part of ACPA's newly launched "Open Badge Quality Assurance" program.
The purpose of this program is to further clarify the reliability and value of Open Badges, and it involves third-party organizations with a proven track record in the fields of education and human resource development authenticating the metadata of issued badges.
As this system is in its initial phase, the first certification will be provided free of charge.
About Open Badge Third-Party Certification (Quality Assurance)
This certification confirms and evaluates the content, achievement level, and positioning of badges from a third-party perspective, thereby evolving Open Badges from merely "the fact of acquisition" to "a certification that conveys what level of learning and skills are indicated," leading to a more reliable form of learning certification.
We will also explain this certification at the following seminar. We look forward to your participation at this opportunity.
About OBN (Open Badge Network)
OBN is a foundation established in 2019 with the aim of promoting the widespread use of Open Badges (digital certificates) based on international technical standards.
To widely disseminate Open Badges, which digitally visualize and certify learning outcomes, skills, qualifications, and experience, OBN engages in information dissemination, public awareness, and promotion of collaboration among stakeholders, while also providing cloud services that enable educational institutions and companies to easily issue and manage Open Badges.
Furthermore, as a foundation supporting the reliability of Open Badges, OBN works to ensure the eligibility of issuing organizations and provides operational support, promoting an environment where badges can be used with confidence.
・Official Website: https://www.openbadge.or.jp/
About ACPA (Association for Certification of Professional Abilities)
ACPA is an NPO established in 2003 with the endorsement of companies, universities, educational institutions, and government agencies.
It conducts activities aimed at developing human resources demanded by society through the establishment of new educational systems and professional ability certification systems in collaboration with industry, academia, and government.
・ Official Website: https://www.acpa.jp/
About OBN (Open Badge Network) Member Benefits
OBN members can join ACPA as a supporting member without additional fees.
This allows them to utilize various supports that contribute to improving the reliability of Open Badges, including external quality assurance services provided by ACPA.
Information on April Seminar (Lecture also on ACPA's Open Badge Certification)
Event Overview
|
Name |
Skill Strategy 2026 for "Organizations of Choice" |
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Guest Speakers |
・Ricoh Japan Co., Ltd. Human Resources & Corporate Headquarters, HR Center, Professionalization Promotion Department Mr. Kazuya Maekawa ・Chuo University Research and Development Organization for Educational Power, Full-time Researcher / Faculty of Law, Specially Appointed Professor Mr. Jun Kudo ・Non-Profit Organization Association for Certification of Professional Abilities (ACPA) Chairman Yoshiaki Fukazawa Explanation also on APCA's Open Badge Certification |
|
Date and Time |
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 14:00-16:40 |
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Location |
【In-person venue】★Attendees receive special benefits Vision Center Nishi-Shinjuku Event Hall 【Online】 Access link will be provided after registration |
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Participation Fee |
Free |
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Target Audience |
Members of our foundation, as well as educational professionals, companies, local governments, and certification bodies considering joining |
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Seminar Special Page |
※This press release is jointly issued by the General Incorporated Foundation Open Badge Network and the Non-Profit Organization Association for Certification of Professional Abilities (ACPA).
Contact Information for this Matter
【Inquiries regarding the system and certification content】
Non-Profit Organization Association for Certification of Professional Abilities (ACPA)
E-mail：staff@acpa.jp
【Inquiries regarding seminars and membership system】
General Incorporated Foundation Open Badge Network Secretariat
E-mail：info@openbadge.or.jp