Independent Validation
Support your STEM claims with a third-party review rather than relying only on internal marketing language.
Pioneering Independent STEM Product Validation
STEM.org Authenticated™
For Products
Independent product evaluation for toys, kits, games, learning tools, and other educational products seeking a verifiable STEM.org trustmark.
Get STEM.org Authenticated™Independent STEM validation for learning products.
STEM.org Authenticated™ evaluates whether an educational product demonstrates meaningful STEM alignment, learning value, and a credible fit with its intended users and setting.
The trustmark is for the evaluated product. People pursue STEM.org Certified™, programs pursue STEM.org Accredited™, and published educational content pursues STEM.org Reviewed™.
- Toys and games
- STEM kits and activity sets
- Learning tools and manipulatives
- Educational technology and devices
- Hands-on classroom resources
- Other products designed to support STEM learning
No affiliate sales model. STEM.org evaluates submissions independently and does not rely on paid affiliate commissions from product sales.
Authenticated seal variants
Recognition matched to the product's intended age group.
Benefits of Becoming
STEM.org Authenticated™
Clear Market Signal
Give educators, families, retailers, and partners a recognizable way to identify an evaluated STEM learning product.
Verified Identity
Connect the earned trustmark to a STEM ID and digital credential so the recognition can be checked directly.
Top 5% Opportunity
Eligible products reaching 95 or higher on the applicable rubric may also receive Best In STEM™ recognition.
Evaluation criteria
What we look for.
Authentication focuses on the product experience itself: what learners do with it, what STEM ideas it supports, and whether the educational claims are supported by the evidence submitted.
STEM alignmentHow clearly the product connects to science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics.
Learning valueWhether the product supports meaningful exploration, skill development, problem solving, or conceptual understanding.
Engagement & usabilityHow well the product fits its intended learners, setting, and use case.
Hands-on or applied learningWhere appropriate, how the product encourages making, testing, building, experimenting, or collaboration.
Evidence & claimsWhether submitted materials reasonably support the product's educational positioning and intended outcomes.
How Authentication Works
A clear evidence-based review
Register
Identify the product or product family being submitted and begin through the existing STEM.org registration pathway.
Submit Evidence
Provide product information, learning claims, supporting documentation, and the evidence requested for the review.
Independent Review
The submitted evidence is evaluated against the applicable 100-point STEM.org rubric. Clarification may be requested.
Decision & Verification
Qualifying products receive the credential, STEM ID, evaluation result, and approved brand assets.
Typical review timeline: approximately 7–14 days after required evidence is submitted. Complex reviews may require additional time or clarification.
100-point evaluation
Recognition is earned.
Payment begins the applicable review process; it does not guarantee a trustmark. The final outcome depends on the evidence and score for the evaluated product.
0–81Threshold not metNo STEM.org Authenticated™ credential is issued.
82–94STEM.org Authenticated™Meets the minimum award threshold.
95–100STEM.org Authenticated™ + Best In STEM™Eligible excellence-tier recognition.
What You Receive
STEM.org Authenticated™
Digital Credential
A shareable STEM.org Authenticated™ credential tied to the approved product scope.
STEM ID
A unique identifier supporting credential lookup and verification.
Evaluation Result
A record of the authentication determination and score associated with the review.
Approved Brand Assets
Official assets for communicating the earned recognition in accordance with STEM.org usage requirements.
Globally Portable. Independently Verifiable.
STEM.org Authenticated™ provides a digital record of the evaluated product and approved scope. The STEM ID and credential record give educators, families, retailers, and partners a way to verify the recognition rather than relying on a seal image alone.
STEM.org Authenticated™ FAQ
Common questions before submitting a product.
What types of products can be submitted?
Toys, games, kits, learning tools, educational technology, manipulatives, and other products designed to support STEM learning may be appropriate candidates.
What score is required?
Where the scored product rubric applies, 82 out of 100 is the minimum award threshold. Eligible products scoring 95 or higher may also receive Best In STEM™ recognition.
Does payment guarantee authentication?
No. Payment begins the applicable evaluation process. Recognition depends on the submitted evidence and final evaluation result.
How long does the review take?
A typical determination is completed in approximately 7–14 days after the required evidence is submitted. More complex reviews can take longer.
Where do I apply?
Use the existing STEM.org Authenticated™ registration pathway linked below.
Ready to begin?
Get STEM.org Authenticated™
Submit your product through the existing registration pathway.
