I have really done my research on the Apptio U Explorer Badge.  Yet, I do not understand why I do not have it.  So far I understand the following based on my research on community:

Above is the Explorer Badge, and it should show up in your profile on the rewards tab under the badge header if you have been rewarded with it.

In order to gain points within the Apptio community, there are several methods that can be used. To find out more on these methods, refer to the guide titled, How Do I Gain Points On The Community.  In this link, you will find the Apptio U Explorer Badge listed.

Specifically, when it comes to acquiring the Apptio U Explorer Badge, you must complete the Apptio University Explorer courses.  I found this discussion string:  Explorer and Navigator Quests? Within this discussion, @André Hedman confirms that the first seven courses of the R12 Recognized TBMA (RTBMA) Learning Plan  are the courses necessary to achieve the Apptio U Explorer Badge.  After reading Become an Apptio Recognized TBMA, I further confirmed that "after completing these courses, you will automatically earn the Apptio University Explorer badge and gain points to increase your level on Community. This badge will be visible on your TBM Connect profile."  The attached picture is my confirmation of the completed courses in the above.

I  completed these courses at least 2 weeks ago, however I still do not have the Apptio U Explorer Badge.  Is there more criteria for the badge that I did not cross in my research?  For those who already received the badge, what were your steps to receive the badge? 

For all who have a need to know, I just found out that if you are awaiting on a badge, they are only awarded on Fridays.  So stay tuned.  I will keep all posted on the outcome after tomorrow.  Happy Friday to be!!

@Lauren Pagan

Hi Lauren, 

Can you help with Shakia's question?  She hasn't received her badge after 2 weeks, but is sure she has completed all the courses.

Shakia,

I know that there are some optional courses available in the Explorer learning plan and I believe that while they are optional to take the exam, you do have to complete them to earn the badge.  I'm thinking of the Intro to IT Finance and the Intro to IT Operations courses specifically.  

Lauren can confirm that for us.

Hey @Shakia Lawson, at the top of your learning plan in Apptio University are the courses that need to be completed to earn both the Explorer and Navigator badges.

In Apptio University if you hover over the three stripe icon in the upper left corner of your dashboard and then select My Activities you are taken to the screen below.  By selecting the Badges tab you can see the badges that you've earned.  You earned both the Navigator and Explorer badges on Sunday March 11th so you will see those added to your profile tomorrow.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Happy Friday Everyone!  Just as expected the Badges where there this morning!!  Thanks to @Lauren Pagan!!  This is exactly what I needed to completed the required points for my TBMA Cert.

Happy Friday @Shakia Lawson!  A big congratulations on earning your RTBMA 2018!!   Hopefully that is a great start to your weekend.