The app provides a secure, verifiable, and portable way to prove your registration status. It can be viewed by employers, agencies, service users, and public bodies for verification, ensuring your credentials are easy to confirm. The digital badge is part of our commitment to modernising identification, improving verification, and keeping registrant information safe and up-to-date.
Yes. All registrants will receive a physical badge at no extra cost in 2026. From 2027, physical badges will not be included as standard. A physical badge will be available for those who wish to purchase one, and NRCPD will review this policy after the first year based on feedback and practical challenges reported by registrants. The digital badge app will remain part of your registration at no extra cost.
We understand that some work environments have limited connectivity. For 2027 onwards, physical badges will initially be available for purchase. NRCPD is actively looking into the practical challenges raised by registrants and will keep this under review based on feedback from the first year. The digital badge is designed for flexibility, it is not intended to immediately replace physical badges where they are essential for practical use.
We are running an awareness campaign called “Ask for the App” to ensure that the digital badge is widely recognised and trusted by agencies, service users, and public bodies. The campaign will help make the digital badge familiar and easy to verify, supporting professional recognition and confidence in your credentials.
Physical badges have historically been an important part of professional recognition, and we understand why many registrants feel strongly about them. Moving to a digital ID badge allows us to modernise, improve verification, and ensure registration remains accessible and secure. We will continue to monitor feedback during the first year and review the approach based on practical challenges raised by registrants.
Your feedback is always welcome. You can contact NRCPD at enquiries@nrcpd.org.uk with any questions or concerns about badges, the app, or registration services. Feedback helps us refine our processes and provide the best support to registrants.
NRCPD consults on any change that will impact registration status, professional standards and entry to the registers. These factors are not affected by this change. We are, however, listening to feedback from registrants and will keep the policy under review to address any practical challenges or concerns raised.
