Blockcerts vs Open Badge Factory

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.

Open Badge Factory is an online platform for organisations to create, issue, and manage Open Badges. Badge applications are custom questionnaires attached to badges, where applicants submit information and evidence for review. Organisations can share badges and applications, endorse other organisations’ badges, and report on how badges were issued, received, shared, and ranked by target groups. Badges can be created and issued in multiple languages. The Pro plan includes verifiable PDF badges that recipients can share online or offline without a badge wallet account. Plans set annual issuance limits: 5,000 for Basic, 15,000 for Premium, and 50,000 for Pro; larger quantities can be discussed with the maker. Integrations include an API, LTI, and plugins such as Moodle, while Zapier automation requires Pro. The maker says the platform is certified to Open Badges v3.0 and complies with the European General Data Protection Regulation. Its privacy notice says personal data is not transferred outside the EU/EEA. Basic costs €220 per year, Premium €700 per year, and Pro €1,280 per year; Enterprise pricing is by quote. A 60-day trial is listed, but no free plan is available.