Blockcerts vs National Academic Depository
Blockcerts
blockcerts.orgNational Academic Depository
nad.digilocker.gov.inSide by side
| Figure | Blockcerts | National Academic Depository |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 0 |
| Spec score · Credentialing Software | 9.0 (#2) | 7.4 (#26) |
| Purpose | Blockcerts is an open standard and open-source ecosystem for creating, issuing, viewing, and verifying blockchain-based credentials and official records. | NAD is a 24×7 online repository for academic awards such as certificates, diplomas, degrees, and mark sheets. |
| Support | The public community forum is presented as a place to ask technical questions, discuss topics, and share news. | The site lists NAD support at [email protected] and provides a customer support page with video conference support. |
| Verification | The universal verifier checks records independently and can be built into existing software systems. | Employers and other verifiers can check an award’s authenticity with the concerned student’s consent. |
Plans
In their own words
Blockcerts
Blockcerts is an open standard and open-source ecosystem for creating, issuing, receiving, and checking blockchain-based credentials and official records. Its intended settings include civic records, education, professional licensing, and workforce development. Recipients can use the Blockcerts app to receive, import, keep, and share credentials; a private passphrase supports ownership and recovery. A universal verifier checks records independently and can be incorporated into other software. Developer resources include Python tools for creating and issuing credentials, a JavaScript verification library for Node.js or browsers, and a standalone web verifier. The issuer library supports Bitcoin and Ethereum, while the standard is designed to work across blockchains. Verification checks issuer signatures and certificate data, including expiry and revocation. Issued certificates cannot be edited, though an issuer can revoke an incorrect one or issue a replacement batch. Blockchain data is a one-way hash of certificate information. Blockcerts is free; Bitcoin batch issuance may incur a variable network transaction fee.
National Academic Depository
National Academic Depository has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.