Example: Create a course certificate
Step-by-step example for a course completion certificate: Create Certificate in Certificate Documents, the Certificate variables, page setup, and linking the template in a course.
A course certificate (German: Zertifikat or Zeugnis for a course) is a smart document with the Certificate object type. You create it in Certificate Documents, select it in a course's certificate block, and learners receive a PDF generated from it when they complete the course.
Why it matters
A certificate with your own wording and layout replaces the default certificate. Because it is tied to the course, it is issued when learners finish, without administrator work.
How it fits
The general steps are in Study contracts and certificates. Courses are described in Courses.
Before you start
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Feature and permission | Smart Documents (FuxamCMS package) and read-write:settings-service-contracts. |
| A course | A course where you can edit the certificate block. |
| Wording | Text for the certificate and the name you want to show as the certification. |
Variables to place
A certificate template offers these variables from the Certificate group in Insert → Variable.
| Content | Variable |
|---|---|
| Course | Course Name |
| Learner | Student Name |
| Date of completion | Completion Date (date format) |
| Institution | Institution Name |
| Title of the certification | Certification Name |
| Text of the certification | Certification Description |
User variables such as Code or Study Program are not offered for this object type.
How to build and use it
Go to Settings → Communication & Documents → Documents and find Certificate Documents. Select Create Certificate. The object type is fixed to Certificate.
Enter a name, optionally import a .docx file, and create the template. The editor opens.
Write the certificate: a heading, the learner (Student Name), the Course Name, the Completion Date, and the Institution Name. Place Certification Name and Certification Description where you want them.
Set Format on Completion Date and use Variable settings → When empty for optional values such as Certification Description.
Open Page setup and choose Format and Orientation (Portrait or Landscape), Margins (px), and, if you want, Show header with a logo and Show footer.
Use Preview and Print preview to check the layout, then select Save.
Open the course and edit its certificate block. Under Certificate type choose Smart Document certificate, then pick your template under Select a template.
How to generate it
- Single user, bulk, self-service: these routes belong to User templates. A certificate is issued through the course's certificate block when a learner completes the course.
- Learners see “Your certificate is ready” and the completion date.
Best practices
- Name the template with year and course type, for example “Course certificate 2026”.
- Test the whole route with a test learner who completes a course.
- Keep one template per look. Reuse it across courses.
Common pitfalls
| Pitfall | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Certificate never issued | Check that the course's certificate block uses Smart Document certificate and a template. |
| A variable is missing | The Certificate group offers only six variables. Type fixed text for anything else. |
| Wrong template type | Use Create Certificate so the type is Certificate. |
| Editor preview shows no values | Check the real result in a certificate issued to a test learner. |
FAQ
Can I add a grades table to the certificate?
The Certificate group has no grade variables. Use a User template for grades.
Do I have to import a Word file?
No. The import is optional.