What learning counts?
You can use any learning activity that isn't already recognised by another badge or formal qualification. This gives you flexibility to reflect on the everyday learning that shapes your practice, such as:
reading a book or journal article
completing an online course or module
listening to a podcast episode
shadowing a colleague
attending a conference, workshop or webinar.
How the process works
To claim a badge, you will need to submit a short application reflecting on your learning and the difference it has made to your practice. An SSSC Learning and Development Adviser will assess your application within 28 days and, if successful, award you a badge that you can share with others. Most people do this by downloading the certificate that comes with each badge.
With 12 CPL+ badges available over the course of 2026, you can build a digital portfolio that showcases your learning journey throughout the year. Collecting badges is completely voluntary, but you'll be joining thousands of other social service workers who have had their continuous and informal learning recognised this way.
You’ll find this month’s CPL+ badge on the SSSC MyLearning website.
Getting started
If you're new to MyLearning badges, don' t worry. You'll find everything you need on the website, including step-by-step guidance on preparing your application.
Who can claim CPL+ badges?
Throughout 2026, our CPL+ badges will be available to anyone working in social services in Scotland. You don’t need to be SSSC registered. If you’re registered, your badges will contribute towards your annual CPL requirement.
Supporting badges in your service
This is our tenth year of supporting the recognition of informal learning through badges and we're continuing to invest in them to make day-to-day learning more visible and rewarding.
If you're a manager who’d like to encourage your staff to use SSSC badges, our Digital Learning Team can send you information to help you get started. You can contact the team at digitallearning@sssc.uk.com