Whether you run a workshop, a staff training day, a church class or a summer camp, people who finish your program deserve something to show for it. Here are 30 certificate of completion wording examples for programs, courses and training, plus what to include and how to keep the wording accurate.

In this guide

What to include

  • Title: "Certificate of Completion" or "Program Completion Certificate".
  • The participant's full name.
  • The program name, exactly as you advertise it.
  • A completion line: "has successfully completed", "has completed all requirements of", or "has participated in and completed".
  • Dates: the completion date, or the start and end dates for longer programs.
  • Optional details: hours, location, the topics covered, or the instructor's name.
  • Signatures of the instructor, program director or organizer.

Programs and workshops

  1. This certifies that [Full Name] has successfully completed the [Program Name] program on [Date].
  2. Presented to [Full Name] for completing all sessions of the [Workshop Name] workshop, [Month Year].
  3. In recognition of the successful completion of [Program Name], a [X]-week program held at [Location].
  4. [Full Name] has completed [X] hours of instruction in [Subject] with [Organization].
  5. Awarded to [Full Name] upon completion of the [Program Name] series, [Start Date] – [End Date].
  6. For completing the [Program Name] program with dedication and enthusiasm.

Workplace and staff training

  1. This certifies that [Full Name] has completed [Training Name] training provided by [Company] on [Date].
  2. [Full Name] has successfully completed the [Company] New Employee Orientation program.
  3. In recognition of completing the [Leadership/Customer Service/Safety] training course, [Month Year].
  4. Presented to [Full Name] for completing [X] hours of in-house training in [Topic].
  5. For the successful completion of the [Software/Equipment] training session led by [Instructor Name].
  6. [Full Name] has completed all modules of the [Program Name] professional development program.

Church and community programs

  1. This certifies that [Full Name] has completed the [Bible Study Name] course at [Church Name].
  2. Presented to [Full Name] for completing the New Members Class, [Month Year].
  3. In recognition of completing [X] weeks of Sunday School teacher training.
  4. [Full Name] has faithfully completed the [Ministry] volunteer training program.
  5. For completing the [Program Name] mentoring program with [Organization].
  6. Awarded to [Full Name] for completing the [Community Program] course, [Date].

Fitness, wellness and coaching

  1. This certifies that [Full Name] has completed the [X]-hour [Program Name] training with [Studio Name].
  2. For completing the [X]-week [Fitness Challenge Name], [Start Date] – [End Date].
  3. In recognition of completing the [Coaching Program] with commitment and determination.
  4. [Full Name] has completed the [Workshop Name] workshop led by [Instructor Name].
  5. Presented for completing every class of the [Season] [Program Name] session.
  6. For completing the [Program Name] and taking the first step toward [goal].

Kids, camps and clubs

  1. Awarded to [Child's Name] for completing [Camp Name] summer camp, [Year].
  2. Well done, [Child's Name]! You have completed the [Club/Program Name].
  3. For completing [X] weeks of [Swimming/Art/Coding] classes with a big smile.
  4. This certifies that [Child's Name] has completed the [Reading Challenge Name].
  5. Presented to [Child's Name] for finishing [Program Name] and trying something new.
  6. For completing Vacation Bible School at [Church Name], [Year].

Bonus: a one-line version for small or busy designs:

  • [Full Name] · [Program Name] · Completed [Date]

Completion certificate designs

Every line on these designs is editable. Paste in your wording and preview the certificate before you decide to download.

Program completion certificate, blue filigree designProgram Completion — Blue Filigree
Certificate of completion with gold frameCertificate of Completion — Gold Frame
Program completion certificate, Old English classic designProgram Completion — Old English Classic
Program completion certificate, navy filigree designProgram Completion — Navy Filigree

Issuing certificates for a whole class or group?

See all program completion templates

Keep the wording accurate

A completion certificate records that someone finished your program. To keep it honest and useful:

  • Use your own organization's name and the program name you actually advertise.
  • Only list hours that were delivered, and only if you track attendance.
  • Don't describe it as a license, a qualification or a credential unless your organization is authorised to grant one. "Has completed" is accurate; "is qualified to" may not be.
  • Avoid words like "accredited" or "certified" unless your program really holds that status from an outside body.
  • Keep a record of who completed the program and when, in case someone needs a replacement later.

Questions organizers ask

What's the difference between "completion" and "participation"?

"Completion" means the person met all the requirements, such as attending every session or finishing every module. "Participation" means they took part. Use the one that is true for each person.

Should I include the number of hours?

Include hours if participants may need to show them to an employer or another organization, and only if you recorded attendance.

Who should sign it?

The instructor or program director, and optionally a second leader from your organization.