Certificates have always been a part of training. Once upon a time, they were framed and hung on walls. Today, most end up in portfolios, shared on LinkedIn, or stored away as proof of professional development.
That’s the real point: certificates are not decoration. They are evidence — of the learning that took place, the skills that were transferred, and the outcomes achieved.
What certificates should say
If a certificate says “Certificate of Achievement,” then it should say what was actually achieved. Skill by skill. Outcome by outcome.
That way, a recruiter knows what to look for. An employer knows what the training covered. And the learner has language they can use in interviews, CVs, or online profiles.
Recognition for providers too
Certificates aren’t only about the learner. They’re also a chance to recognise the provider. After all, it’s the trainer who designed and delivered the course.
A certificate should make that clear: who provided the training, how to contact them, and why their contribution matters. Recognition cuts both ways — for the learner and for the provider.
Beyond paper and PDFs
Of course, you can still print certificates if you want. You can design them however you like. But in this day and age, why stop there?
With the right technology, certificates can carry much more:
- A transcript of the course.
- A breakdown of skills and outcomes.
- Even a video showcasing the trainer’s work.
And they don’t need to be limited to paper or PDF. The same record can appear as a digital badge, a shareable link, or a portable file. In fact, why not all three?
One record, many forms
That’s what a certificate really is: a single, trusted record of learning. How you present it — paper, PDF, or badge — is just convenience.
What matters is the record itself: the evidence of what was learned, how it was taught, and why it matters.
About CPD Perspectives
This article is part of CPD Perspectives — a series exploring accreditation and recognition from every angle: providers, recruiters, HR managers, learners, and across different sectors and countries.
It’s a fast-changing space, and we want to be at the forefront of it. Because lifelong learning doesn’t just change careers — it changes lives.
So here’s the question:
If certificates are proof of learning, are yours carrying the evidence that really matters — or just your logo on a piece of paper?
About the Author
Marta Kalas is the Founder & CEO of Open CPD, where she is transforming how training and events gain recognition and credibility. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and technology, she combines practical insights with a mission to make accreditation accessible, flexible, and impactful.
She also writes The Recognition Gap, her personal LinkedIn newsletter on lifelong learning, CPD certificates, and digital badges.
Subscribe here: The Recognition Gap
