Digital Badge

SES Innovation Leader (SESIL)

Objectives of the SES Innovation Leader Digital Badge

The SES Innovation Leader digital badge recognizes state agency staff who demonstrate advanced knowledge, applied expertise, and leadership in the State Examination System (SES). This badge is intended to validate hands-on experience, mastery of SES workflows, and active contribution to the broader SES community through engagement with CSBS.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for the SES Innovation Leader Digital Badge designation must provide evidence of each of the following:

  • Have active or recent (within the past 3 years) involvement in SES-related examination activities.
  • Applicants must complete the following SES-focused training options:
    • SES Examiner-in-Charge (EIC), Examiner & Reviewer Training, or
    • 1:1 SES Training with CSBS staff covering advanced SES functionality and workflows.

Applicants must demonstrate substantial hands-on experience using SES in an advanced capacity.

  • Standard Path
    • Completion of ten (10) examinations as Examiner-in-Charge (EIC) within the SES platform.
  • Alternative Path (Accommodation)
    • If an applicant’s agency does not provide sufficient EIC opportunities, applicants may qualify through an alternative combination of experience that demonstrates advanced SES expertise. Examples may include:
      • Serving as a lead reviewer or supervisory reviewer across multiple SES exams
      • Acting as a subject-matter expert (SME) for SES within the agency
      • Supporting complex or multi-agency examinations in SES
      • Completing all items within at least 2 Areas for Review (AFR) in an examination
    • Applicants using the alternative path must submit a written justification describing their experience and how it demonstrates advanced SES knowledge. CSBS staff will evaluate equivalency on a case-by-case basis.

CSBS Engagement Requirement:

  • Applicants must complete at least two (2) qualifying engagements with CSBS related to SES. Engagements must meaningfully contribute to SES education, adoption, improvement, or governance.
    • Qualifying examples include (but are not limited to):
    • Participating as a panelist in an SES-related session
    • Leading or co-leading an SES release tutorial or webinar
    • Conducting SES user testing or structured feedback sessions
    • Delivering or supporting SES training (internal agency training or CSBS-led sessions)
    • Providing an SES testimonial or case study for CSBS use
    • Serving on a CSBS committee or working group related to SES, examinations, or supervisory technology
    • Other SES-related contributions approved by CSBS staff
  • Applicants must document the engagement, including date, role, and scope of contribution.

Application & Documentation:

  • Applicants must submit:
    • A completed digital badge application through the CSBS platform
    • Documentation of required training
    • Evidence of practical SES experience (exam history or equivalent justification)
    • Description and documentation of CSBS engagement
  • CSBS staff may request additional information to validate eligibility.

Badge Maintenance Requirements

  • SES Release Tutorials – Attend at least four (4) SES release tutorials offered by CSBS to remain current on system enhancements, functionality updates, and best practices.
  • CSBS Engagement Activities – Complete a minimum of five (5) hours of SES-related engagement activities with CSBS. Qualifying engagement activities may include, but are not limited to:
    • Participating in SES user testing or structured feedback sessions
    • Serving as a panelist or presenter for SES- or NMLS-related sessions
    • Delivering or supporting SES training (CSBS-led or agency-based)
    • Supporting SES release tutorials or SES implementation efforts
    • Serving on CSBS committees or working groups related to SES or supervisory technology
  • Good Standing – Maintain appropriate and professional use of the SES platform and adhere to CSBS standards of conduct.