Certificates

The certificate of a recorded course

The certificate design and wording are set by NSDP: one design for all recorded (self-paced) courses. An instructor previews it on the course's Certificates tab. When students receive it, what it carries, and what the messages on the preview mean.

For:TeachersCampus teachers3 min read8 sectionsUpdated 5 October 2026

A student who finishes your recorded course receives the NSDP certificate for self-paced courses. The design and the wording are set by NSDP and are the same for every recorded course. As an instructor you do not create or edit a certificate: you preview it on the course's Certificates tab.

What changed for instructors

  • You no longer build a certificate for each course. There are no templates to create, activate or delete in the instructor portal.
  • NSDP uses one certificate design for all recorded courses. Live Zoom classes and on-campus courses each have their own NSDP design; see Batch certificates explained.
  • On the New course page the certificate is marked Included.

Previewing the certificate

  1. Step 1: Open the course

    From Recorded courses, open the course.

    Sign in to open this screen
  2. Step 2: Choose the Certificates tab

    The page is headed Completion certificate.

  3. Step 3: Look at the preview

    The card The certificate your students receive is marked Set by NSDP and Preview only. It shows the design with your course title and sample details.

What the certificate carries

  • The student's name.
  • The name of your course.
  • The date.
  • A serial number that anyone can verify; see Verifying a certificate.

What you cannot change

The layout, wording, logo, signature and colours belong to NSDP. There are no fields or placeholders for an instructor to fill in. If something on the certificate looks wrong, for example the course title, correct the title on the course's Information tab or tell NSDP administration.

Messages on the preview

Messages you might see

  • “The certificate design is being prepared”

    WhyNSDP has not published the certificate for self-paced courses yet.

    FixNothing is needed from you. Your students receive it once it is ready.

  • “Certificates are switched off for the programme at the moment.”

    WhyNSDP has certificates switched off.

    FixAsk NSDP administration if you expected certificates.

  • “The preview could not be loaded. Refresh the page to try again.”

    FixRefresh the page.

When students get it

Process mapStudentSystem
  1. Student

    Completes lessons

    Quizzes must be passed; assignments submitted.

  2. System

    Reaches 100%

    The enrolment is complete.

  3. System

    Good outcome: Certificate issued

    The NSDP certificate for self-paced courses. The student is emailed.

  4. Student

    Download

    From My certificates in the student dashboard.

  • While certificates are switched off, or before NSDP has published the design, no certificate is issued.
  • A certificate already issued keeps the design it was issued with.
  • A revoked certificate is never re-issued automatically.

Common questions about the tab

  • No Certificates tab. Certificates are switched off for your school.
  • No buttons on the tab. That is correct: the tab is a preview.

FAQ

I can't see the Certificates tab.

Certificates are switched off for your school. Ask NSDP administration.

Why can't I edit the certificate any more?

The design and wording are now set by NSDP, so every recorded course gives the same certificate. Instructors and campuses only preview it.

A student finished but has no certificate.

Check their progress is 100%: a quiz not passed or an assignment not submitted keeps it below. Also open the Certificates tab: if it says the design is being prepared or certificates are switched off, nothing is issued yet.

Is the certificate the same for my live Zoom class?

No. Live Zoom classes and on-campus courses have their own NSDP certificate, delivered when a batch is completed. See Batch certificates explained.

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