Quick Answer
Administrators can replace the default Certificate of Completion with a custom, branded certificate by editing and uploading a modified Word template from Content > Tools > Default Certificate of Completion, keeping the required placeholder tags and template margins intact.
What This Article Helps With
Pinnacle Series automatically issues a default Certificate of Completion when a user completes a Course. This article explains how a user with elevated permissions can replace that default certificate with a custom, organization-branded version, and how to override the certificate for an individual Learning Path instead of using the account-wide default.
Template Requirements
- The custom certificate must be a Microsoft Word file, up to 5 MB in size. Here is our default template.
- The template's existing placeholder tags must be retained:
Confirmed placeholder tags: Tag Purpose <USERNAME>User's name <LPNAME>Learning Path name <COURSENAME>Course name <TIME_LBL>...</TIME_LBL>Wraps the duration line (e.g., "Duration (Hr): ") — opening and closing tag pair <TIME_HRS>Duration value in hours, nested inside <TIME_LBL><COMPLETE_DATE>Completion date - The template's existing margins must be retained.
Configure the Default Certificate of Completion
- In the Admin Portal, go to Content.
- Select Tools in the top right.
- Select Default Certificate of Completion.
-
Download the certificate template.
- Open the downloaded template in Microsoft Word and customize its design and branding, keeping the placeholder tags and margins described above intact.
- Save the edited template as a Microsoft Word file no larger than 5 MB.
- Return to Content > Tools > Default Certificate of Completion in the Admin Portal.
- Upload the new file.
- Review the preview to confirm the placeholder tags appear correctly in the custom certificate.
- Turn on Allow certificate to be viewed for custom content.
- Select Save.
- Verify the change by having a test user complete a Course, then confirm the certificate they receive uses the new custom template.
Add a Custom Certificate to a Learning Path
A Learning Path can use its own custom certificate instead of the account-wide default.
- Open the Learning Path in Edit mode.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Learning Path edit screen.
- Select the option to add a certificate.
- Upload the custom certificate template for that Learning Path, following the same template requirements listed above.
- Save the Learning Path.
- Verify the change by having a test user complete the Learning Path, then confirm the Learning-Path-specific certificate is issued instead of the account default.
Helpful Tips
- Keep the original placeholder tags and template margins intact when customizing the design; changing either can prevent the certificate's data fields from populating correctly.
- Use the download the previewed file option to check exactly which version of the certificate is currently live, if you're unsure.
- Uploading a custom certificate is not enough on its own — Allow certificate to be viewed for custom content must also be turned on before the custom certificate will display.
- Need some design inspiration? Here are some templates to help you get started
Common Questions
What happens if I don't add a certificate to a Learning Path?
The Learning Path uses the account's Default Certificate of Completion, whether that default is the standard Pinnacle Series certificate or a custom one configured at the account level.
What file types are supported for a custom certificate?
Only Microsoft Word files are supported, with a maximum file size of 5 MB.
Why might data fields not populate correctly on my custom certificate?
Data fields can fail to populate if the required placeholder tags or the template's margins were altered while customizing the design. Keep the original placeholder tags and margins intact.
Can I remove a custom certificate after uploading it?
Yes. The certificate upload screen includes an option to delete the current file.