Experience Points (XP) are points earned for catching Pokémon, visiting PokéStops, battling, and completing other gameplay actions. Your Trainer level advances as you gain XP. The amount of XP required to level up increases with each Trainer level. As you continue to level up, you’ll gather rare items at PokéStops and encounter Pokémon with higher CP.

Starting at Level 40, leveling up will require you to gain XP and complete Level-Up Research tasks before you're able to move onto the next level.

Medals are achievements earned by reaching milestones for distance walked, PokéStops visited, Pokémon caught, and other gameplay achievements. Each medal has four achievement milestones: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Some achievement milestones unlock rewards - such as an increased chance of successfully catching certain Pokémon type.

In the example image, the Trainer has earned the Bird Keeper medal along with a catch bonus reward for Flying-type Pokémon.