With an increasing number of higher education institutions now offering "digital badges," some suggest that this credential has become a practical commodity in the world of college credentials. Colleges and universities are in a unique position to be the gatekeepers of many of those credentials. Among the many institutions of higher education looking closely at digital badges is Oregon State University. Hearing the message loud and clear, Oregon State has begun to offer 40 different digital credentials aimed at a wide range of students--from attorneys and others seeking to earn additional professional certifications to hobbyists looking to broaden their skills. The significance of the digital badge on the higher education scene should not be taken lightly. With a nontraditional digital approach to credentialing--one that places the focus on individual student learning accomplishments--a student might earn a cluster of badges. This collection of individual competencies could be accessible from a variety of social media sites or as part of a résumé or e-portfolio. There is still much to be done. While digital badges may be a useful tool in providing a gateway to career advancement and identifying and validating an individual's accomplishments and competencies, the American Council on Education has observed that a shared vision among higher education and employers for a learning-based credentialing system that ensures tangible benefits for students must be developed.