Open Credential Publisher

Open Credential Publisher is an open-source digital credential platform that enables the issuance and management of verifiable educational credentials. Launched in 2022, the platform implements the W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model and 1EdTech CLR (Comprehensive Learner Record) standards to create portable, verifiable digital credentials. The system allows credential issuers to package and sign credentials while providing end users with a web wallet for storing and sharing their credentials based on TrustOverIP community practices.

The platform gained significant adoption through its implementation by the State of North Dakota as the first state-wide digital credential system for high school transcripts. The North Dakota implementation uses a permissioned blockchain architecture where:

• Institutions are registered on-chain as authorized issuers
• Student data remains off-chain with only DIDs (Decentralized Identifiers) referenced
• Credentials can be shared via QR codes or email links for peer-to-peer verification
• The system supports stackable credentials ranging from high school transcripts to industry certifications

Key technical features include:

• Integration with W3C DID and Verifiable Credentials standards
• Support for the 1EdTech CLR JSON-LD format
• Blockchain-based verification (initially using Sovrin Network)
• Web-based wallet interface for credential management
• Peer-to-peer sharing capabilities with automated verification

The project is housed at IEEE and has received funding support from the Walmart Foundation and National Center for Education Statistics. Notable implementation partners include Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, and the University of North Dakota.