PMPro – Member Badges is a WordPress extension that allows site owners to assign unique images to membership levels and display them via shortcodes or PHP functions. The plugin helps administrators visually recognize member achievements and status across a website. It provides a straightforward way to add gamification and credibility to any community platform.
WPExclusive members get access to Member Badges as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full Paid Memberships Pro collection →
What Is PMPro – Member Badges?
PMPro – Member Badges is developed by Paid Memberships Pro and is a membership plugin for WordPress. It belongs to the membership category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for community building and user management. This specific add-on focuses on the visual representation of a user’s subscription status.
It solves the problem of generic user profiles by rewarding members with visual icons that represent their specific access level or rank. This is ideal for niche communities, professional associations, and forums where status matters.
PMPro – Member Badges Features
The feature set is built around the core concept of level-based imagery and automated display hooks.
Level-Specific Image Assignment
Administrators can upload a custom image for each membership level directly within the level settings. Member Badges supports various file formats including PNG, SVG, and JPG to match site branding. This visual distinction helps in identifying tiered levels like Gold, Silver, or Bronze within membership directories.
Flexible Display Methods
The plugin provides the [pmpro_member_badges] shortcode which accepts parameters like user_id, level_id, and image_align. Developers can also utilize the pmpromb_show_badge() PHP function for deeper theme integration. These tools allow badges to appear on account pages, blog post sidebars, or header sections.
Directory and Multi-Level Support
Member Badges integrates into the standard member directory by using the pmpro_member_badge element attribute. For sites that allow users to hold multiple active levels, the plugin can display all associated badges simultaneously. It also includes a set of royalty-free starter graphics to get projects moving quickly.
Pricing
Check current pricing on the Member Badges sales page — WPExclusive members access it as part of their plan.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Premium | $247/year | 1-5 Sites | All PMPro Add-ons |
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | Member Badges + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers Member Badges plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The current version is v1.1.1. The plugin receives regular updates to ensure compatibility with the core Paid Memberships Pro framework. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release.
How to Install
- Download the Member Badges .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to Memberships → Settings → Levels in the WordPress admin
- Select a membership level and locate the “Upload Image” field under Other Settings
Use Cases
Community Gamification and Ranking
Incentivize activity within a membership site by assigning badges that unlock as members upgrade their levels. This creates a visible hierarchy that encourages users to participate more actively to earn higher-status icons.
Professional Certification Directories
Associations can use Member Badges to verify member credentials or certifications visually. When a visitor views a member’s profile in the directory, the badge acts as a quick trust signal of their professional standing.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Agencies can deploy consistent badging systems across various client projects without purchasing individual licenses for every domain. A WPExclusive membership makes this scaleable and cost-effective for developers.
vs Alternatives
| Feature | Member Badges | BadgeOS PMPro |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger Type | Membership Level | Achievements/Steps |
| Ease of Use | High (Settings based) | Moderate (Rule based) |
| Starting Price | Premium Add-on | Free with Add-ons |
| Available on WPExclusive | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
Browse the full membership plugins on WPExclusive →
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Supports multi-level membership sites where users can hold multiple badges simultaneously
- Extensive developer hooks and filters for customizing HTML output
- Includes royalty-free starter graphics to implement the system immediately
⚠️ Limitations
- Requires the core Paid Memberships Pro plugin to be active to function
- Basic styling depends heavily on theme CSS for alignment classes
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is PMPro – Member Badges GPL Licensed?
Yes. PMPro – Member Badges is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files — the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, no security risks.
Get PMPro – Member Badges on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you PMPro – Member Badges plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full Paid Memberships Pro collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PMPro – Member Badges do?
PMPro – Member Badges is a membership plugin used to assign and display custom images for different subscription levels. Member Badges allows site owners to visually recognize user status in directories and profiles. Community managers use it to increase user engagement and professional credibility.
Is PMPro – Member Badges free?
The plugin is typically part of a premium add-on bundle for Paid Memberships Pro. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
What is the latest version of PMPro – Member Badges?
The current version is v1.1.1 — WPExclusive members always receive the most current release after it is verified and uploaded.
How much does PMPro – Member Badges cost?
Retail pricing is usually included in the PMPro Plus plan at $247/year. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
Is it legal to use PMPro – Member Badges via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
Can I display badges for users with multiple levels?
Yes, Member Badges is designed to support multi-level setups, meaning if a user belongs to more than one level, all active badges will display together automatically.
