FAQ - Project Level Up - Partner Plus Proficiency Badging
Q1. How do I know what products fall under the Strategic Proficiency badges?
A: All product mappings can be found here
Q2. I just earned a Proficiency badge for a core offering (e.g. Db2). Will this badge expire in 12 months?
A: The core badge, which was previously eligible for the Partner Plus program, will no longer be recognized for proficiency credit starting October 13, 2025. Although the badge may still appear valid on your Credly account, it will not contribute to your proficiency status in Partner Plus after this badge (in the case “watsonx.data”) starting from October 13, 2025.
Q3. Do my existing Proficiency badges count during the transition period?
A: Yes. All existing Proficiency badges are honored through the transition period of 5 May, 2025 through 12 October 2025. date.
Q4. What if I have an active Deal Registration tied to a core product and the deal closes after 12 October?
A: Beginning 13 October, 2025, IBM will require Strategic badges for Partners to be eligible for the Proficiency Incentive. If you have earned the Strategic badge by the time the deal closes, you will earn the incentive.
Q5. What happens to the existing core badge content?
A: All Core badge content will still be available for your continued learning.
Q6. At the time of the program announcement, I already have my Strategic Badge (e.g. watsonx.data) and working on a Db2 opportunity. Will the Strategic Badge count for proficiency should the deal close before 13 October?
A: No. From the time of the program announcement to the program launch, you will be required to have the specific badge that is tied to your opportunity (BAU).
Q7. How will these changes affect my tiering in IBM Partner Plus
A: Core badges will expire on 12 October, 2025 and will no longer count towards tiering. Only Strategic badges will be recognized beginning 13 October, 2025.
Q8. I have a new opportunity (e.g. Db2) and currently do not have the appropriate core badge to qualify for the Proficiency incentive. What should I do?
A: If the opportunity is expected to close prior to the 13 October, 2025 cutover date, you should earn the Db2 Proficiency badge. If the opportunity is scheduled to close after the 13 October, 2025 cutover date, you should earn the relevant Strategic badge, which in this case would be the IBM watsonx.data Proficiency badge.
Q9. What about new products that become available? How do I find out if they are designated Strategic or Core?
A: The product mapping page (link) will be updated as new products are made available.
Q10. Do all the Strategic badges exist at the time of the announcement?
A: No. While the majority of the Strategic badges exist today, there will be new badges introduced during the transition period, with the goal of providing sufficient time to earn those badges prior to the 13 October cutover date. Bookmark the Level Up Seismic page (link) and check back for updates.
Q11. Do Strategic Proficiency badges have a cost?
A: No. Registered partners of IBM Partner Plus get access to the badges at no cost.
Q12. When do Strategic badges expire?
A: Strategic badges follow the standard IBM Partner Plus rules and are valid for 12 months before revalidation is needed.