The Problem with Traditional Books
Imagine: You read an excellent professional book on project management, machine learning, or leadership. You invest 20 hours, take notes, complete the exercises. You've genuinely learned something.
And then? Nothing. No proof. No certificate. When applying for a job, all you can say is: "I read the book." But anyone can claim that.
Traditional educational credentials work differently: You attend a course, take an exam, get a certificate. Why shouldn't that be possible with books too?
What Are EQF Micro-Credentials?
The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a Europe-wide standard that makes educational qualifications comparable. From level 1 (basic knowledge) to level 8 (doctorate), it systematically classifies competencies.
Micro-credentials are small, focused qualification certificates. Instead of an entire degree program, they certify specific skills or knowledge. The EU adopted a framework for micro-credentials in 2022 to promote lifelong learning.
The combination yields: Compact, standardized proof of concrete learning achievements – perfect for what non-fiction readers accomplish.
Why We Built This for Hermes 3000
Non-fiction books are an underrated educational resource. A good professional book can impart more knowledge than many courses – at a fraction of the cost.
But recognition is missing. Employers, LinkedIn, the world – they need proof. "I read the book" isn't enough.
Our vision: Every non-fiction book can become a certified learning program.
How It Works
- Author defines learning objectives: What should the reader know or be able to do at the end?
- Integrated quiz questions: Questions after each chapter or at the end test comprehension
- Pass = Certificate: Those who answer correctly receive a micro-credential
- Verifiable: The certificate has a unique code that can be verified on the Hermes 3000 platform
- LinkedIn integration: The credential can be added directly to LinkedIn profiles
Technical Implementation
Open Badges 3.0 – The International Standard
Our certificates follow the Open Badges 3.0 Standard from 1EdTech (formerly IMS Global). This is the global standard for digital credentials, also supported by LinkedIn, Credly, and Canvas.
What this means:
- Portable: You can take your badge anywhere – it belongs to you, not the platform
- Interoperable: Other systems can read and understand the badge
- Future-proof: An established standard with broad support
Cryptographic Signature with Ed25519
Many think of blockchain when hearing "verifiable certificates." We decided against it – for good reasons:
- Simplicity: Cryptographic signatures are simpler and more reliable
- Privacy: We can delete certificates on request – impossible with blockchain
- Speed: Instant verification
- Cost: No gas fees or crypto complexity
Each certificate is signed with Ed25519 – the same algorithm used by SSH and Signal. The public key is available at \