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CertificatesAnyOriginal PDFBetter template

Certificate of completion

For trainers, schools, employers and nonprofits recognizing someone who finished a course, workshop or training program. Besides the recipient and program, it records hours or continuing education credits and a certificate number, which licensing boards and employers often ask for.

Fields
12
Pages
1
Paper
Letter
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Before you start

What you need to fill it in

  • The recipient's name as they want it printed
  • The program or course title
  • The completion date and location or delivery format
  • Hours or credits earned, if applicable
  • A unique certificate number for your records
  • The instructor's and organization's signers

What's inside

12 fields, ready to fill

  • 8Typed answersnames, addresses, descriptions
  • 1Dateschecked as real dates
  • 1Choicescheckboxes, options, dropdowns
  • 2Signaturessignature and initials

6 required — the editor counts down how many are left while you fill.

Instructions

How to fill out the Certificate of completion

  1. 1

    Enter the recipient and program

    Type the recipient's full name and the exact course title. Check spelling; certificates are often framed or filed with a licensing body.

  2. 2

    Add date, hours and format

    Enter the completion date, hours or credits and whether it was in person or online.

  3. 3

    Number the certificate

    Use a unique number such as the course code plus a sequence, and record it in your roster.

  4. 4

    Sign

    The instructor and an organization official sign. Print on card stock or email the PDF.

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What filling it looks like

The PDFBetter editor in Edit & fill mode: an invoice template with the bill-to details and line items typed in, and each amount calculated from quantity and unit price
  1. Edit & fill, Invite to sign and Create form are three modes of the same editor
  2. Amounts are formula fields: they calculate as you type
  3. The field navigator counts what's left and jumps to the next field

Shown with our invoice template. Sample content; names are fictional.

Written for: Any

This is a general-purpose template. Check that its terms and fields match your situation and any rules that apply where you use it before you rely on it.

Written by PDFBetter and last reviewed October 15, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.

Certificate of completion: questions people ask

Can I make certificates for a whole class at once?

Yes. Put names and details in a spreadsheet and use Fill PDF from Excel to create one certificate per row.

Do continuing education credits require approval?

Usually. Licensing boards approve providers or courses. Only list credits your course is approved for, with the approval number if required.

Is a certificate of completion the same as a certification?

No. A certificate of completion shows someone finished a program. A certification usually requires passing an assessment from a certifying body.

Can recipients verify a certificate later?

Keep a roster of certificate numbers, names and dates so you can confirm a certificate if an employer asks.

Ready when you are

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