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Head-to-head · Credentialing Software

POK vs IssueBadge

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score POK #5 in Credentialing Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 6 of 6 features Visit POK
IssueBadge #6 in Credentialing Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 6 of 6 features Visit IssueBadge

POK leads on 0 checks, IssueBadge on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePOK · 8.7/10
  • Free planboth

POK scores higher on our rubric for credentialing software: 8.7 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

POK is the better fit for standards-focused credential programs. IssueBadge is the better fit for budget-conscious credential issuers.

  • POK fits best

    Standards-focused credential programs

  • IssueBadge fits best

    Budget-conscious credential issuers

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature POK 8.7/10 Visit ↗ IssueBadge 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 8.6
Ranking #5 in Credentialing Software #6 in Credentialing Software
Best for Standards-focused credential programs Budget-conscious credential issuers
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $3,000/yr $149.99/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Phone, Docs Email, Live chat, Docs
Integrations 50+ integrations 50+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features POK 6/6 · IssueBadge 6/6
Digital certificates ✓ ✓
Digital badges ✓ ✓
Public verification ✓ ✓
Expiry management ✓ ✓
Custom branding ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Our review
Pros
  • Open Badges 3.0 and W3C Verifiable Credentials support
  • Free unlimited issuance with public verification
  • REST API, webhooks, LMS integrations, and bulk issuance
  • Free plan plus paid options from $14.99 per month
  • Bulk issuance from CSV or Excel files
  • Verification, expiry controls, analytics, and API access
Cons
  • Blockchain verification adds a separate paid plan
  • NFT ownership is sold in fixed credential packs
  • Its broad feature set may exceed simpler credential needs
  • Free allowance is limited to 50 certificates per month
  • Advanced customization is listed only on Lifetime Advanced
  • Web and API access may not suit teams needing other platforms
Our verdict

POK is a digital credential platform for universities, companies, governments, and training providers. It supports digital certificates, badges, microcredentials, and NFT credentials, with Open Badges 3.0 and W3C Verifiable Credentials…

Read the review →

IssueBadge is a web-based credentialing platform for organizations that create and distribute digital badges and certificates. Its audience includes education providers, corporate training teams, human resources departments, event…

Read the review →
  1. POKCredentialing Software 8.7Free plan
  2. IssueBadgeCredentialing Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • POK — where it wins

    • Open Badges 3.0 and W3C Verifiable Credentials support
    • Free unlimited issuance with public verification
    • REST API, webhooks, LMS integrations, and bulk issuance

    Where it doesn't

    • Blockchain verification adds a separate paid plan
    • NFT ownership is sold in fixed credential packs
    • Its broad feature set may exceed simpler credential needs
  • IssueBadge — where it wins

    • Free plan plus paid options from $14.99 per month
    • Bulk issuance from CSV or Excel files
    • Verification, expiry controls, analytics, and API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Free allowance is limited to 50 certificates per month
    • Advanced customization is listed only on Lifetime Advanced
    • Web and API access may not suit teams needing other platforms

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update