A certificate of completion template lets you recognize someone who has finished a course, training program or workshop with a professional printed certificate. It’s a simple way to mark an achievement and provide a record of completion.
Download a free printable certificate of completion below, along with wording examples for training certificates.
What’s Included
- A printable certificate of completion in PDF
- Space for the recipient’s name, course title and completion date
- Areas for the organization name and signatures
- Sample wording for training certificates
| Template | File format | Hosted on |
|---|---|---|
| Printable Certificate of Completion | External site |
Download the Free Certificate of Completion Template
The certificate below is hosted on another website and opens from its original source.
Printable Certificate of Completion
How to Use This Template
- Download and open the certificate.
- Add the recipient’s full name as they want it shown.
- Enter the course, program or workshop title.
- Add the completion date and, if relevant, hours or credits.
- Include the organization name and the name and title of the signer.
- Print on certificate paper and sign by hand.
Who It’s For
These certificates suit trainers, teachers, HR teams, coaches, online course creators, nonprofits and community organizations.
- Workplace and compliance training
- Workshops and short courses
- School and after-school programs
- Volunteer and community training
Tips for Creating a Professional Certificate
- Use the full course title. It makes the certificate more meaningful.
- Check names carefully. A misspelled name spoils the certificate.
- Keep wording formal. ‘This certifies that…’ is a classic opening.
- Don’t overstate. A completion certificate isn’t a licence or qualification unless your program grants one.
- Print on quality paper. Heavier paper looks and feels more official.
Example Wording for a Training Certificate
“This certificate recognizes [Participant Name] for completing [Workshop Title], delivered by [Organization], on [Completion Date], comprising [Training Hours]. Issued by [Authorized Name and Role]. Reference: [Certificate ID].” Confirm completion against the attendance or assessment record before issuing it, and use only logos and signatures the issuer has authorized.
Choose a landscape design for presentation or a simpler portrait layout for a training record. Keep the participant name visually prominent and print a test copy. State exactly what was completed; attendance or course completion does not by itself establish professional licensing or accreditation.
Organize the course records with our skills assessment templates, event program templates, checklist templates.
Why a Certificate of Completion Matters
A certificate of completion is not a regular high school certificate or diploma and should not be treated as equivalent to a full diploma or graduation certificate, but it can still help a student or professional a lot when applying for a position or pursuing a career opportunity. Certificates of completion recognize completion of a stated course, activity or program according to the issuer’s criteria. The meaning depends on those criteria and should be described accurately. They are also commonly prepared and presented for individual education programs, training courses, and workshops, giving participants formal recognition of the time and effort they invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a certificate of completion include?
The recipient’s name, the course or program title, the completion date, the issuing organization, and a signature.
What is good wording for a certificate of completion?
For example: ‘This certifies that [Name] has successfully completed [Course Title] on [Date].’
Is a certificate of completion the same as a certification?
No. A certificate of completion shows that someone finished a course. A professional certification usually requires passing an assessment from an accredited body.
Related Templates
Download the free certificate of completion template above and celebrate every learner who finishes your course.
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