When a learner completes a course on VirtualX, they can be awarded a digital certificate. This certificate is generated using a template created by your school’s admin, and filled with dynamic shortcodes that personalise the details for each learner.
These shortcodes are simple text placeholders that automatically pull:
- Learner name
- Course title
- Completion date
- Final mark (optional)
- Certificate number
This appendix gives you a list of common certificate shortcodes used in VirtualX, with clear examples.
🏷️ What Is a Certificate Shortcode?
A shortcode is a small piece of code you add to a certificate design to show real information automatically.
Example:
[certificate_student_name] = “Lerato Mokoena” (for that specific learner)
These shortcodes must be placed inside the certificate template, which your school’s Super Admin designs using the backend.
🔡 Common Certificate Shortcodes
| Shortcode | What It Displays |
| [certificate_student_name] | Full name of the learner |
| [certificate_course] | Course title (e.g. “Grade 7 EMS Term 2”) |
| [certificate_student_marks] | Final mark (%) achieved in the course |
| [certificate_date] | Date when the certificate is issued |
| [course_completion_date] | Date when learner completed the last unit/quiz |
| [certificate_id] | Unique certificate ID (for validation or tracking) |
| [instructor_name] | Full name of the course teacher |
| [school_name] | Your school name (if enabled in settings) |
🧑🏽🏫 Example: Certificate Layout with Shortcodes
plaintext
CopyEdit
This is to certify that
**[certificate_student_name]**
has successfully completed the course
**[certificate_course]**
with a final score of **[certificate_student_marks]%**,
on **[course_completion_date]**.
Issued by: **[instructor_name]**
Certificate ID: **[certificate_id]**
When generated, this becomes:
plaintext
CopyEdit
This is to certify that
Lerato Mokoena
has successfully completed the course
Grade 7 EMS Term 2
with a final score of 84%,
on 15 May 2025.
Issued by: Mr. M. Nkosi
Certificate ID: VX-7EMS-2025-0038
🛠️ Who Can Add These Shortcodes?
- Only Super Admins can design and edit certificate templates.
- Teachers can select which template to use in the course settings, but not edit the layout unless given access.
If you’d like a custom layout or extra info included (like a badge, QR code, or logo), you’ll need to request it from your school admin.
💡 Tips for Effective Certificates
| Tip | Why It Helps |
| Use shortcodes instead of typing names or scores manually | Ensures each certificate is auto-personalised |
| Request school branding from admin | Looks more professional |
| Test certificates with a demo learner | Check layout before going live |
| Use [certificate_student_marks] only for graded courses | Keeps certificates meaningful |
| Include the [certificate_id] for official use | Helpful for verification by parents or employers |
✅ Summary
Certificate shortcodes make it easy to create personalised, professional certificates—automatically. You don’t have to fill in each learner’s name or score; VirtualX handles it with shortcodes that update live for every learner.
