---
title: 'Example: Create a course certificate'
description: >-
  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.
sidebar:
  order: 2
---

**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.

:::info
A certificate template is not a User template. Its variable list contains only the **Certificate** group. For a grades overview, use [Example: Transcript of records](/docs/fuxam-web/cms/smart-documents/examples/transcript-of-records).
:::

## 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](/docs/fuxam-web/cms/smart-documents/study-contracts-and-certificates). Courses are described in [Courses](/docs/fuxam-web/lms/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

1. Go to **Settings → Communication & Documents → Documents** and find **Certificate Documents**. Select **Create Certificate**. The object type is fixed to **Certificate**.

2. Enter a name, optionally import a `.docx` file, and create the template. The editor opens.

3. 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.

4. Set **Format** on **Completion Date** and use **Variable settings → When empty** for optional values such as **Certification Description**.

5. 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**.

6. Use **Preview** and **Print preview** to check the layout, then select **Save**.

7. Open the course and edit its certificate block. Under **Certificate type** choose **Smart Document certificate**, then pick your template under **Select a template**.

:::warning
The block notes that custom certificate fields are not available for this format. Learners receive a PDF generated from your selected 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.

## Related pages

**[Study contracts and certificates](/docs/fuxam-web/cms/smart-documents/study-contracts-and-certificates)**

Certificate Documents section.

**[Courses](/docs/fuxam-web/lms/courses)**

Where certificate blocks are used.

**[Edit a document](/docs/fuxam-web/cms/smart-documents/edit-a-document)**

Editor and preview.

**[Document variables and data sources](/docs/fuxam-web/cms/smart-documents/document-variables-and-data-sources)**

Formats and empty values.