Level Up Walking Deck

Project ‘Level up’ Proficiency Badges May 13 – V51

Ecosystem / © 2025 IBM Corporation

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Executive summary •

IBM is updating the Proficiency badge program

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Partners will now be expected to complete badges aligned to key Strategic Offerings to qualify for the Proficiency Incentive

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The number of Proficiency badges will decrease (approximately ~85ish to ~25ish)

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Proficiency badges will qualify for a significantly larger number of ‘core’ products for the Proficiency Incentive Core Offerings

Example Proficiency Badge Watson Orchestrate

Cloud Pak for Business Automation

Planning Analytics

FileNet

IBM Process Mining

IBM Business Automation Manager

Cognos Analytics

RPA

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This program is designed to encourage Partners to upskill their skills without impacting their ability to earn the Proficiency Incentive

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The program was announced at THINK with a go-live date of October 13

IBM Partner Plus | © 2025 IBM Corporation

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How the program is changing •

IBM is making some significant changes to simplify the proficiency badge system for partners. By linking Core Products to their respective Strategic Products, partners can now qualify for the Proficiency Incentive more easily.

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This approach simplifies the badge system, helping partners build strategic skills, maintain their earning potential, and drive growth across IBM's key technologies.

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The products have been identified to ensure both IBM Partners and IBM sellers are current with the IBM Go-to-Market strategy and support the development of next-generation skills and growth.

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There will be an extension of the expiration date for Core Proficiency badges until the launch, 13 October 2025, removing any need for revalidation during the transition period. The proficiency incentive requirements remain unchanged until launch.

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All the existing rules for Proficiency badges will stay as is [Link to current program rules] The following tables outline the new simplified proficiency structure, effective 13 October 2025. The left column lists strategic proficiency badges used for incentive calculations, while the right column displays the corresponding core products linked to each proficiency group.

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Partner Plus proficiency groupings – Automation Platform

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Table updated May 8

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Partner Plus proficiency groupings – Security

IBM Partner Plus | © 2025 IBM Corporation

Table updated May 8

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Partner Plus proficiency groupings – Data Platform

IBM Partner Plus | © 2025 IBM Corporation

Table updated May 8

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Partner Plus proficiency groupings – Storage & Power Storag e

Powe r

Table updated May 8 IBM Partner Plus | © 2025 IBM Corporation

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Help partners get ready now •

Access the Partner Plus Portal to review your current proficiency badge status, including core and strategic badges, and address any relevant gaps to maintain your earning potential after 13 October 2025

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Partners Portal Link

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VADs Portal Link

Plan to complete any new training on the IBM Partner Plus Learning Hub site by 13 October •

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Partner Plus Learning Hub

Additional information •

Level Up Seismic Page

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Level Up FAQ

IBM Partner Plus | © 2025 IBM Corporation

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