Press Release

Pearson VUE to issue digital badges to Microsoft Certified Professionals


BLOOMINGTON, MN, October 19, 2016 – Pearson VUE today announced it is teaming with Microsoft to issue badges to Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) via its digital badging platform, Acclaim. Industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications are highly regarded by IT hiring managers to measure a candidate’s skill level using Microsoft technologies. Pearson VUE is Microsoft’s exam delivery provider for all of its technical certification exams.

Digital badges are quickly becoming the new standard for displaying achievements online. Metadata attached to Acclaim badges display the certification holder’s name, the MCP credential achieved and validates that Microsoft issued the badge. This ensures that individuals and organizations that view an Acclaim badge can trust the information presented, while making it easy for MCPs to post their Microsoft achievements to social media via a digital icon easily accessible to employers and industry peers.

In addition to issuing millions of badges for leading organizations that include IT, healthcare and higher education, Acclaim provides industry and employment data to badge holders. “Acclaim’s Labor Market Insights give Microsoft badge earners access to job opportunities directly related to the skills they’ve demonstrated through certification,” added Clarke Porter, general manager for Acclaim.

“Our goal is to give Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) the tools they need to get hired, get recognized, and get ahead,” said Alison Cunard, general manager of Microsoft Learning Experiences. “Our certification program is focused on skill building and validation, and digital badging gives IT professionals the ability to broadly share their technical credentials with peers and employers as they advance their careers.”

Beginning October 21, 2016, Microsoft will issue the first wave of digital badges to individuals who earn new Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Developer (MCSD), or Expert (MCSE) certifications or pass certain individual exams. Retroactive badges will be issued in early 2017.


Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7010 2582
damien.fletcher@pearson.com