How do I Design a Certificate of Achievement?

Create a custom certificate of achievement for any occasion.

A certificate is often given to students, employees or volunteers in recognition of achievement. The minimal information needed on a certificate of achievement includes the recipient's name, the date and reason for the certificate. The signature of the presenter and graphics are often included too. You can design a certificate of achievement using any word-processing program. Alternatively, you can download a certificate template or make a certificate online at a free certificate maker site, where you'll fill in the pertinent information and print a certificate ready for presentation and framing.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Word-processing program
• Computer
• Printer
• Internet

Instructions

Create a Certificate of Achievement with a Word Processing Program

1. Open a new document in your word-processing program. Change the page layout to landscape, if desired.

2. Choose a border for your certificate, if borders are available in your word-processing program. Alternatively, plan to print your certificate of achievement on paper with a pre-printed border, if desired.

3. Create a certificate template with the words "Certificate of Achievement" or "Achievement Award" centered across the top in a large, bold font.

4. Place the words "This award is presented to" in a medium-size font, followed by the recipient's name in a large, bold font on the next two lines. Alternatively, use the underscore key to create a line on which to write the recipient's name in pen.

5. Add the words "for outstanding achievement in" and state the reason for the certificate in a medium font in the space below the recipient's name.

6. Add lines for the presenter's signature and the date of the award at the bottom of the certificate.

7. Center all lines of text, adjust the line spacing and add graphics, as desired. Print your completed certificate.

Create a Certificate of Achievement Online

1. Go to a certificate-making site such as PrintableCertificateMaker.com or TomMcCabe.com, or download a certificate template from the Microsoft Office site.

2. Follow the instructions and enter the pertinent information for your certificate.

3. Print your completed certificate. Use paper with a border, or colored or novelty paper, if desired.

References

• Printable Certificate Maker: Welcome
• Tom McCabe: Create a Certificate of Achievement
• Microsoft Office: Word Certificate Templates