Certification

A training certificate can help you to create an impression on the professional and high quality training you are providing. Offering a training certificate is important if you are teaching a class or running an educational event because it is tangible evidence that a person has completed a specific course or program – they are hence evidence of personal advancement.

Any time you run a program or class, you can create a training certificate using the training certificate template. Not only will this give your participants something to show for their time and money, but it can also act as a marketing tool for you. If participants who attended your training display the certificate or show it to others, then other people may ask about the training. When your satisfied participant tells them what he or she learned in your course, they may decide that they want to sign up for other training too.

(Adapted from BROOKS 2010)

Making training completion certificates is not at all hard to do; in fact, it is quite enjoyable. Here are some tips.

• Look for templates. There are several templates available online. You can download some for free. Some text programmes even come with templates for certificates. Or if you want more sample options, consider browsing through the certificates in office supply stores. Notice how these sample certificates are designed and worded and consider incorporating design patterns into your own certificates.
• Use a text programme (such as Word, Open Office etc.) They usually come with certification templates that you can download from the Internet. Choose a template that you think can best represent your workshop or training, and modify it according to your needs.
• Use a presentation programme (such as PowerPoint).Use the text box to supply the necessary information and put your company logo on the top right section of the certificate. If you want to add any other pictures, such as a clipart of your training theme, you can also do so, just make sure to maintain the visual balance in the certificate.
• Add borders. Some certificates can do without borders, but if you want your certificates to look more formal, consider adding borders. Borders can be a straight line along the edges of the paper, or they can be small graphics that frame the certificates. There are lots of border options you can choose from. But when choosing, make sure the border fits the theme and level of formality of your training or workshop.
• Use the right font. Font should be carefully chosen. Foremost, it has to be very readable. You can choose cursive font if you want your certificates to be a little classy, but remember that some cursive fonts are hard to read from a distance. So if you should use a cursive font, try to choose a less flowing type; or better yet, use a non-cursive font. To ensure readability, set your font size at 20 to 50. Vary the font size depending on the text. For instance, the name of the recipient should be a little larger than the name of the training or workshop.
• Print your certificates. After designing the certificates, make sure to print one copy in a scratch paper. Assess the sample certificate and make adjustments if necessary. The borders should be equal all around, the font readable, the logos and other pictures in sharply detailed colours, and the certificate generally presentable. If you are content with the look of the certificate, print another copy in a certificate paper. Again, make assessments. If everything looks right, begin printing multiple copies.
• Use laser printer for printing training completion certificates, if possible. Laser ink dries fast and does not bleed. The quality of laser-printed certificate also looks more professional.
• Include the right information: Include the full name of the participant, the date and exact name of the training course, potentially the name of the degree acquired with the training course, the organisation's name who offered it, plus maybe also the grade. In order to be official, some degrees also come with a watermark or with a stamp of the issuing organisation, plus the original signature.

See also post training activities for more information on task at the end of a training.