Three parties
For platform-hosted courses there are often three parties: the teaching provider (a university or company), the platform that hosts the course, and the credential issuer. These can differ. The certificate may carry the name of one of them.
Types of certificate
- Completion certificate. Shows you completed a course. It is not a degree and not by itself an academic qualification.
- Academic certificate or microcredential. Issued by an academic institution, sometimes with credit.
- Professional credential. Issued by a professional or industry body after an assessment.
Questions to ask
- Who issues the certificate?
- Does it carry academic credit, and can it be transferred?
- Is it verified or proctored, or based on coursework only?
- Does it expire?
University branding on a platform does not by itself mean university credit. Look for an official statement.
Official sources
- Coursera Help Center · accessed 1 November 2026
This guide is general information, not legal, immigration or financial advice and not a statement about any school. Confirm requirements with the licensing authority and the school.