Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IBM SkillsBuild for High school students is designed for learners at the career exploration stage (aged 13 to 18). It’s designed to help students begin their career exploration with free digital learning on cutting-edge technology and workplace skills.

IBM SkillsBuild for Adult learners is designed for learners (18+) seeking employment in the immediate future. It provides adult learners with job role preparation—specifically focused on entry-level tech roles—and support to help them gain meaningful employment in the immediate future.

IBM SkillsBuild Software downloads is an element within the IBM SkillsBuild program designed to provide learners and educators at degree-granting accredited academic institutions with access to select IBM assets at no-charge for classroom (teaching and learning) and non-commercial research purposes at the academic institution.

Students from IBM’s partner Universities can earn digital credentials, access software, and explore a library of university guest lectures across data science, artificial intelligence, security and more. Leaners also have access to expert conversations from IBM volunteers, access to IBM software, and project-based learning (practical exercises to apply learnings they have acquired, including labs using IBM technology).

You can easily sign up for the IBM SkillsBuild program that's right for you by clicking any of the "Sign up" or "Start learning" call-to-action buttons on this website. Clicking any of these buttons will open a screen where you can identify as a high school student, educator, or adult learner; then, simply follow the steps to create your free IBM SkillsBuild account. 

You can easily sign up for the IBM SkillsBuild program that's right for you by clicking any of the "Sign up" or "Start learning" call-to-action buttons on this website. Clicking any of these buttons will open a screen where you can identify as a high school student, educator, or adult learner; then, simply follow the steps to create your free IBM SkillsBuild account. 

No. Each IBM SkillsBuild program is separate. If you have an account with one of these programs and would like to access another program, you'll need to create a separate account.

Yes! Please follow the steps on the main page for organizations supporting high school students, here: https://skillsbuild.org/organizations-supporting-students

Please visit the main page for organizations supporting job seekers to learn more about the process: https://skillsbuild.org/organizations-supporting-adult-learners

The program is open to all active learners and educators at degree-granting accredited academic institutions. An academic institution issued email address is required to participate.

Follow these steps (https://github.com/academic-initiative/documentation/blob/main/academic-initiative/how-to/How-to-register-with-the-IBM-Academic-Initiative/readme.md) to register for IBM SkillsBuild Software downloads.

Any previously earned digital credentials remain unchanged and available to credential earners to share. Digital credentials earned after February 12, 2023 will have a different appearance.

All digital credentials will be available in your Credly Wallet. Previously unclaimed digital credentials can still be claimed and can continue to be shared on social media.

All new digital credentials awarded will now be consistent with the IBM SkillsBuild brand, course terminology, and visual format. The criteria required to earn IBM SkillsBuild digital credentials, along with the skills attained, remain unchanged.

Digital credentials from IBM SkillsBuild are secure, web-enabled credentials that contain granular, verified information that employers can use to evaluate an individual's potential. Digital credential requirements can include online learning activities, quizzes or exams, experience that requires advisor review, or even interviews. Complete the required activities, accept the credential, and choose to share your achievements to your resume, LinkedIn, and other social media.

Your Credly account is a repository to manage your digital credentials. It's where you claim (accept), store, and transmit your credentials. You can manage which credentials you want to display in your Credly account settings. To participate in the digital credential program, you need to create a Credly account. To accept or manage credentials, create or sign in to your Credly account. In your profile settings, make sure that the email address you use for your IBM SkillsBuild account is registered in your Credly account. To receive emails regarding issued credentials, turn on User Transactional e-mails. If you have an existing Credly account registered under a IBM SkillsBuild email, you can add your other email address to your account and make it the primary one.
You can access Credly here: https://www.credly.com/users/sign_in

After you accept your digital credential, you will be able to download and print it or share it on different social accounts directly from your Credly profile. Go to the dashboard within your Credly profile, click on the badge you want to share, then, click the Share button at the top of the page. Note: In order to share your credentials from Credly to LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, you will need to authorize your accounts.

Our support team is here to help! Head to skillsbuild.org/contact/ to get in touch with the appropriate support team.