Introduction to Certificates
Certificates recognize learners who complete a course or pass an assessment. On Edmingle you design a certificate template once, then issue certificates to learners from it, either manually or automatically. This article explains the model and key concepts.
Where certificates live
Certificates sit under Learning → Certificates in the left-hand menu.
The model: templates and issued certificates
There are two things to understand:
- Certificate template: the reusable design and rules (name, serial prefix, layout, validity, and how it is issued).
- Issued certificate: an individual certificate awarded to a learner from a template.
So you create a template, then issue certificates from it to learners.
Two ways to design a template
When you create a template, you choose how the certificate PDF is generated:
- Use Certificate Builder: design the certificate visually on a canvas, dragging in text and images and inserting dynamic fields like the learner's name.
- Upload Certificate Template: upload your own HTML template instead.
Two ways to issue
- Manual: you issue certificates to selected learners (or via a CSV file) whenever you choose.
- Automated: certificates are issued automatically when learners meet criteria you set (course completion percentage, or passing specific exams/exercises).
Manual and automated behave differently in important ways. Automated certificates disable custom fields, and once a template's automation is set it is locked when editing. Choose your approach when you create the template.
Where issuing happens
You can issue certificates from two places:
- The Certificates area (this collection), for issuing from a template.
- Inside a batch, by selecting learners and issuing to them.
Validity
A template can be set so its certificates expire after a period (days, months, or years) or never expire. Expired certificates can be re-certified with a new date.
Permissions
Certificates are permission-gated (no specific plan is required):
- View templates and issued certificates: certificate manage-read access.
- Create, edit, issue, publish, download, re-certify: certificate manage-write access.
- Issuing from within a batch uses a batch certificate-issuing permission.
Admins have full access. Buttons hide when you lack the relevant permission.
What's next
Start with Creating a Certificate Template.