The Custom Distinctions
for standout study sets
Custom Backup rewards creativity, clarity, and structure with distinctions for exceptional public study sets.
The Four-Factor Rubric
Every submitted set is scored against our four-factor rubric:
1. Originality
Is it unique and insightful, or just generic?
2. Clarity
Are explanations sharp and easy to understand?
3. Structure
Does the set flow naturally and follow Point Pair Card format?
4. Engagement
Does it hold attention with examples, mnemonics, or creative touches?
Each factor is scored from 0–3, with a maximum total of 12 points:
Bronze (8–9 points)
Above average, shows effort and some creativity.
Silver (10–11 points)
Strong across most factors, classroom-worthy.
Gold (12 points)
Exceptional; flawless across all categories.
Why Distinctions Matter
Distinctions are not just badges. They prove that your work is recognised, high-quality, and worth sharing. A Gold Distinction signals to every learner: "This set is legit."
Whether you're a teacher sharing classroom resources, a student creating revision materials, or a creator building your portfolio, a Custom Distinction shows the community that your work stands out.
How to Apply
- 1. Build and verify your study set
- 2. Publish it to make it public
- 3. Click "Apply for The Custom Distinctions" in the publish modal
- 4. Wait up to 7 days for review results via email
- 5. If successful, you will receive a Custom Distinction badge on your Online study set, which may also be featured on the landing page.
* Custom Distinctions are available to Pro users only.
Important: CB Create Disqualifies Your study set
Custom Steps that have used CB Create at any time are permanently ineligible for Custom Distinctions.
Why? The Custom Distinctions celebrate intelligent human creativity, not artificial intelligence. We want to recognise the hard work, originality, and insight that comes from building a Custom Step entirely by hand.
To qualify for a Custom Distinction, build your study set from scratch without using CB Create. You can still use CB Notes, CB Images, CB Explanation, and CB Marker, these tools assist learning, but CB Create generates the core content.