What is the value and benefit of certificate of attendance in learning?
A certificate of attendance also known as certificate of participation or completion. In basic terms, it is a document proving attendance of class, training course or workshop. This type of certificate is not a credential because it does not provide proof of learning, or knowledge assessment, prior to being issued.
So, why are certificates of attendance or participation still used?
Whilst there are clear benefits from a marketing perspective (they lend an air of legitimacy to the program deployed) for many attending a formal learning event, there is an expectation of receiving a certificate.
For the learner, the certificate can drive home a sense of accomplishment. Something to display and share with others. Certainly, in some locations in Asia such as China and India, certificates are displayed with pride.
Gamification in learning has in some ways replaced the printed certificate, with learning badges allocated based on key events or learning assessments taken place. So, what is the modern-day value or purpose of a Certificate of Completion / Attendance?
Many organisations even today still issue training certificates for the most surprising of topics. Common topics include Induction training, customer service training, company values, perhaps safety training. Topics vary as workplaces and the importance of training and recognition vary.
What is the most random topic that you have received a certificate of attendance?
Let’s face it, coffee consumption has increased during lock down. You might as well get a certificate for it and feel better about it!
In a past workplace, a certificate of attendance associated with company induction was given to the participant on the day. Another hard copy was filed in their personnel file, and a third was sent to their home address. The administration cost was mind boggling.
Obtaining a certificate for some is important.
When asked if a certificate will be given at the end of the workshop, I generally share that it is ‘WHAT you did with the training and what you achieved as a result of the training is far more valuable than a piece of paper saying you were there.’ (Albeit whilst handing out a certificate…) For others, its part of the deal. I attend your workshop, and at the end you give me a certificate that I can show others.
Arguments for certificate of attendance:
- Recognition for employee.
- Participants may be instilled with a sense of value/pride to the certificate they have earned.
- Becomes part of the paper trail linked to continuing professional development (CPD) or used as evidence for Recognition of prior learning (RPL).
- Can be useful for recruiters and applicants as evidence of life-long learning achievements.
- An alternative way to ‘prove’ completion of basic content used fir audits or employee investigation.
- Certain cultures obsessed with paper / triplicate / rubber stamping require them.
- Can assist in the process of embedding a learning culture and the importance of ongoing learning and development.
Arguments against creating and handing out certificate of completion:
- A time vacuum for trainers/admin to produce, print and handout in a meaningful and timely way.
- Cost of paper, ink, administration, and postage.
- Some workplaces cultures are highly ‘paperless’.
- Training certificates have become so ubiquitous that any potential worth/value is diminished.
- Contributes to general paper/digital clutter that is rarely needed once the class is over.
So, where do you stand on the topic? Yay or Nay? What are your thoughts? Are certificates useful or part of the past? Let us know in the comments below.
About Facilitated Training.
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