Are you a course creator? If your courses don’t include online course completion certificates, you might be missing a big opportunity.
This blog post will guide you on how to offer certificates of completion for your online courses and explain why this is beneficial for both you and your students.
But why are completion certificates so important today?
A completion certificate serves as proof students want after they completed the course. This proof is often needed for current or future employers who want to verify the training and skills of potential employees.
Certificates of completion give students an extra reason to buy and finish your courses. Not offering them could make many students look elsewhere. The chance to earn a certificate is a significant factor for students when choosing a course.
What is a Course Completion Certificate?
A certificate of course completion, also known as an LMS certificate, is a document awarded to individuals who have finished an online course or program. This certificate acts as proof of successfully completing the course and showcases the knowledge or skills gained.
Typically, a completion certificate is a downloadable PDF file that can be printed or shared online. There’s no standard format for these certificates—they can vary greatly in design and content.
Some certificates simply indicate participation in a course, without detailing the student’s performance. Others may require passing a final exam or completing a project, and these certificates will often include the student’s average test scores.
Choosing the right type of certificate depends on the course’s difficulty, pace, and curriculum, as well as what students expect. Easier certificates may just show participation, while more demanding courses often have certificates that reflect higher levels of student engagement and achievement.
Why Add Certificates to LMS?
Adding certificates to your LMS can offer many advantages for course creators, impacting student engagement, marketing, and overall course success.
1) Engaging students is crucial for course creators. When students have a clear goal, like earning a certificate, they are more likely to stay focused and motivated. A certificate of completion gives students something to strive for, making them less likely to give up.
2) Completion certificates also help with marketing. When students complete your course, you can highlight the number of graduates as a measure of your program’s success. For instance, stating that “over 2000 students have graduated” can be a powerful marketing tool.
3) Referral marketing is one of the most effective ways to attract new students. When students achieve a major goal, like finishing a course and receiving a certificate, they often share their accomplishments on social media. This can provide valuable social proof and attract new students to your course.
4) In a crowded market, offering certificates of completion can help your course stand out. Many course creators don’t provide certificates, so offering them can give you a competitive edge. If students have to choose between two courses, they are more likely to pick the one that offers a certificate.
From the student’s perspective, an LMS certificate can offer several advantages:
1) In a competitive job market, having certificates from online courses can make a significant difference. If two candidates have similar qualifications, the one with relevant course certificates is more likely to get hired.
2) Certificates enhance students’ resumes, showcasing their dedication and the skills they have acquired. This can help them in their current jobs or when applying for new positions.
3) Completing a course and earning a certificate shows that students are committed to improving their skills. This signals to potential employers that they are proactive in their professional development.
4) Online learning requires discipline, and a certificate provides an extra incentive to complete the course. Knowing there’s a reward at the end encourages students to finish, giving them personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
How to Create an Online Course Completion Certificate with MasterStudy
Creating a certificate for your online course can add significant value and motivation for your students. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a course completion certificate with MasterStudy‘s Certificate Builder addon. Let’s imagine Sarah, a course creator, wants to create a certificate for her “Introduction to SDET” course.
1) Open the Certificate Builder by going to Certifates in WordPress dashboard. On the left side of the builder, Sarah can see a variety of ready templates. She can choose one of these templates and customize it to fit her branding needs.
Or she can create a new certificate. To start from scratch, Sarah clicks on the “+” sign to create a new certificate. She then selects the certificate’s orientation (horizontal or vertical).
2) She can customize the certificate by add a background, elements such as Text, Image, Certificate code, Date, Course name, Details, Progress, Student name, Student code, Instructor name, and Co-Instructor name.
3) Name the template (e.g., “SDET Completion Certificate”). Click on the save button at the bottom of the page. Use the preview button to view the newly created certificate and ensure it looks perfect.
4) There are three tabs to assign a default certificate, link to categories, or link to specific courses. Find the course and click on “Edit with Course Builder.” Go to the Settings in the Course Builder, head over to the Certificate section, and choose a template from the list. Save changes. Students who complete this course will receive the selected certificate.
By following these steps, Sarah successfully creates a custom course completion certificate for her course, enhancing the learning experience for her students and adding value to her course offerings.
Wrapping Up
Adding certificates to your online courses is a smart move. It gives students proof they completed the course, which can impress future bosses. Certificates also motivate students to finish their courses and help your course stand out in a crowded market. For students, certificates can make a big difference in job hunts by showing they’ve got the skills employers want. They also give students a boost of confidence and a sense of achievement. With tools like MasterStudy’s Certificate Builder, it’s easy to create and give out certificates, making learning more rewarding for everyone involved.
