Okta Badges vs. Okta Certification: Understanding the difference and why you should get one

Okta Training recently released Skill Badges and Super Badges, and I wondered, ”What are these cool new badges, and how are they different from Okta Certifications?” 

I’ve personally earned several Okta Certifications, and while badges and certifications demonstrate expertise in Okta's platform, they serve different purposes and carry different levels of recognition. Understanding the difference between an Okta skill badge and an Okta certification can help you determine which one best aligns with your professional goals.

What is an Okta Skill Badge?

A Skill Badge demonstrates competence in a single, relevant skill or topic. It’s a digital credential awarded for completing specific Okta training courses and passing a skill assessment. Courses include Explore Identity Foundations, Implement Security Policies, Manage Network Zones, and more.

What is an Okta Super Badge?

A Super Badge demonstrates competence in a relevant cluster or set of skills or topics. It is a collection of related Skill Badges that are related and is awarded when you earn all of the associated badges. For example to receive the Manage Users and Groups Super Badge you have to earn the Define Your User in Okta, Organize Users with Groups and the Manage User Profiles in UD Skill Badges.

Key features of Okta Skill and Super Badges:

• Earned by completing Okta training modules and an associated assessment
• Demonstrates knowledge of specific Okta features
• Ideal for individuals looking to expand their skills but may not be ready to pursue certification yet
• Helps showcase learning progress to employers and colleagues

What is an Okta Certification?

An Okta Certification demonstrates competence in a job role consisting of multiple clusters of skills. It is a professional credential earned by passing a formal exam that validates your technical skills and hands-on experience with Okta. These certifications require deeper knowledge and practical understanding of Okta's functionalities and best practices.

Key Features of Okta Certifications:

• Earned by passing a proctored exam
• Demonstrates practical expertise in Okta implementation and management
• Recognized by employers as a formal credential
• Provides career advancement opportunities

Why should you get an Okta Badge or Certification?

Okta Skill Badges and Certifications both offer significant value depending on your career objectives. Here’s why you should consider earning one:

1. Career growth and job opportunities

• Employers look for Okta-certified professionals to manage Identity and security frameworks, so obtaining a certification can set you apart from other candidates.

2. Validation of your skills

• A skill badge shows your dedication to learning and improving your expertise.
• A certification proves you have a deep, hands-on understanding of Okta’s solutions.

3. Networking and recognition

• Okta skill badges and certifications help you connect with IAM (Identity and Access Management) professionals.
• Both Okta skill badges and certifications enhance your professional credibility when shared on LinkedIn and resumes.

4. Higher Earning Potential

• Certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to non-certified peers.

Which one should you choose?

Learning the difference between earning a certification and achieving a skill badge was interesting. I had to prepare more for the certification exam, and I was nervous. But getting my first skill badge was pretty fun. It was akin to the difference between taking a quiz for a chapter you were assigned to read in high school versus being given an exam covering an entire book in college. 

If you're just starting with Okta and want to build foundational knowledge, earning an Okta Skill Badge is a great first step. But if you're looking to solidify your expertise and boost your career, an Okta Certification is the way to go.

No matter which path you choose, both credentials are valuable assets in the fast-growing IAM field. Start your journey today and take advantage of the training and certification programs Okta offers. Get started today with Okta Learning.