On October 12, 2015 Oracle issued me a badge “Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associated”, stating that

You’ve worked hard to earn this achievement. Share the good news with your professional network, friends and family by claiming your badge.

You can click on my badge (in the main sidebar on my Home Page, or on the About page) and see my credentials.

The badge is issued on the platform Acclaim which

is a badging platform that works with credible organizations to recognize, manage and share professional achievements. Acclaim is backed by Pearson, the world’s leading learning company.

The badge could be shared on the Social Media Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+, and could be sent in an e-mail.

Acclaim’s explanation about Open Badges Usefulness is the following:

Representing your credentials as Open Badges gives you the ability to broadcast your skills across the online destinations you are already using to tell your professional story. More importantly, they differentiate you by offering employers single-click access to validated information that is provided in the context necessary to evaluate it. While it is true that many employers are still learning about Open Badges, there is no doubt that the additional efficiency they offer will make them a convenient currency for communicating professional skills over time.

The Mozilla’s short video explains the purpose of Open Badges

References:
Mozilla Open Badges Standard http://openbadges.org/
Acclaim https://www.youracclaim.com/
Pearson Education https://www.pearson.com/