The Credentialing Playbook: How Databricks Scaled to 1 Million Credentials

What does it take to build a credentialing program that reaches one million credentials — and actually moves the needle for learners, the business, and product adoption? For Databricks, the answer started with a deliberate choice: stop treating credentials as a byproduct of learning and start treating them as a strategic growth engine. Today, Databricks issues 50,000+ credentials per month, ranks among the top credential issuers globally, and has seen its certification program drive measurable career outcomes — with 89% of certified professionals reporting growth in their current role, 73% receiving a promotion, and 90% reporting they're solving greater challenges at work.

Behind those numbers is Rachel Canetta, Sr. Manager of Certification at Databricks, who built a six-level credentialing framework — from free fundamentals to professional certification — and the governance model to scale it across multiple programs and audiences. In this spotlight webinar, Rachel shares how she did it. You'll hear about:

• The strategic thinking behind Databricks' tiered badge framework
• How they govern a program that spans multiple audiences and use cases
• What drives one of the highest credential share rates in the industry
• What motivates learners to complete and keep coming back
• Lessons learned from growing a program to this scale

Whether you're building your first credentialing program or trying to bring structure to one that's outgrown its original design, this session offers a rare inside look at what it actually takes to make credentials count — for learners, for your organization, and for the market.