Facebook Twitter Linkedin Youtube
Main Menu

SimpleCert® News

API.

What is an API and Why You Need It

March 2, 2023

There are a lot of digital applications and types of interfaces with the goal of easing sending and receiving information or interacting with other platforms. An API is one of those types of software that allows two applications to “talk” with each other and is used in a wide range of websites, apps, and other types of platforms that require two separate entities to exchange information. 

Discover how we at SimpleCert use API to streamline your certificate creation and management process below!

The Application Programming Interface

API stands for Application Programming Interface and is an intermediary software that permits two applications to “talk” with one another. When online, you interact with APIs frequently, such as sending an instant message or checking the weather on your smartphone. Essentially, an API is a mechanism that allows communication within a set of definitions and protocols, much like a contract. They only communicate with each other using requests and responses as defined by the distinct function. 

How Does an API Work & What are the Benefits?

There are several ways an API can work, but they all are explained in similar terms of client and server. Essentially the API passes and exchanges data from one system to another, which aligns with SimpleCert’s overall goal of streamlining and automating manual processes with certificate creation, delivery, and reporting. While the principle is simple, there are enormous benefits to integrating API into your processes:

  • APIs give more flexibility in information-transfer processes
  • Using an API allows you to create layers that enable distribution to specific groups and people
  • APIs are customizable, from protocols to functions and commands.
  • APIs are extremely adaptable and can easily change through data migration. 

API is a powerful tool that can transform certification delivery and reporting by integrating into the app of your choice, having a system from finishing a test or class that automatically triggers delivery to the correct recipient. We at SimpleCert recognize how beneficial using an API is to our customers, which is why it’s offered in our free accounts as well as any other version of the SimpleCert application while most others only offer the API advantages with their enterprise level accounts. . 

SimpleCert’s API 

SimpleCert recognizes the usefulness and ease an API gives our customers and we use it to provide endpoints to send HTTP requests to automatically add data to your SimpleCert account. Our API is ideal for certification tests, as well as to create new projects and add certificate recipients.

An API can seem intimidating, looking at all the code, but it’s actually very simple! Remember, we at SimpleCert are dedicated to easy and simple certificate creation, and that’s why we use an Application Programming Interface. We provide two API documentation sources to integrate and learn how to use, which you can explore below:

Discover SimpleCert’s API on Zapier

https://zapier.com/apps/simplecert/integrations

Discover SimpleCert’s API on Apiary

https://simplecert.docs.apiary.io/#introduction/quick-start

Discover SimpleCert’s API on Swagger

https://app.simplecert.net/api/documentation 

If you need guidance or support using an API, or it’s your first time using one to streamline certificate management, we are here to keep it easy for you. Look through our Help Center below or contact our Support Team to help get easy street set-up for your certificates.

certificate of the month february 2023.

February 2023 Certificate of the Month

March 1, 2023

golem logo.

Golem Karrierewelt is a leading training provider for exceptional virtual IT-trainings, originally based in Germany.  At Golem Karrierewelt, you can access a wide range of educational opportunities including seminars, workshops, custom in-house courses, certification programs and E-Learning courses. These offerings allow both individuals and organizations to develop their expertise, acquire new skills, and attain professional certifications.

certificate of the month february 2023.
 

They joined SimpleCert in December of 2021 and have been an avid user ever since, with over 100 projects and around 350 recipients and counting. They utilize many of the features and enhancements included in all accounts such as the ability to translate a custom download link into German, branding colors, and text. They also use their own Office365 server. The option to use your own SMTP server is available in all accounts. This allows them to send as them, for the best deliverability and seamlessness to their recipients. With their professional monthly subscription, they have added additional users to manage the automation/distribution of certificates.

From form to certificate, they create a beautiful completion certificate for their trainees.

If you are an active customer of SimpleCert and would like to enter your certificate to be considered for the Certificate of the Month Program, please reach out to inquires@simplecert.net.

adopt an ancient tree certificate.

SimpleCert Celebrates October’s Certificate of the Month Winner

October 24, 2022

Our next Certificate of the Month winner goes to Ancient Forest Alliance.  The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) is a registered non-profit organization working to protect BC’s endangered old-growth forests and to ensure a sustainable, value-added, second-growth forest industry. Founded by Ken Wu and TJ Watt in February 2010, the organization has quickly grown into British Columbia’s main organization working toward province-wide legislation to end the logging of endangered old-growth forests. 

Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) utilizes SimpleCert for our Adopt-a-Tree and Adopt-a-Grove Certificates. These certificates are a visual reminder that when a supporter donates to AFA, their gift helps to protect endangered old-growth forests in British Columbia as well as ensure a sustainable, second-growth forest industry. The beautiful certificates we create with SimpleCert are cherished by the donor and are often given as a gift to a loved one. Our donors appreciate the timely delivery option of digital certificates as well, which can be accompanied with their own personalized message.

AFA invested in creating individual Certificate Templates; for each of their selected trees and groves – an impressive total of 18 templates so far.  This allows for AFA to design visually unique and impactful certificate designs for each tree or grove adopted.  Having put in this advance work, AFA can now use (and reuse!) these templates indefinitely.  Additional templates that are purchased within an account are forever available to use without additional cost and regardless of account status, or subscription level.

Previously our staff had to edit each certificate in templates in a design program which was cumbersome and required expensive software. SimpleCert has made the certificate process so much easier, and the program is accessible for everyone to use. The Support Staff are also fantastic!

~ Rachel Ablack, Projects Coordinator & Campaign Assistant, Ancient Forest Alliance

Congratulations to Rachel & the AFA team for being our SimpleCert Certificate of the Month winner. We will be awarding the non-profit with 150 credits, a total value of $24.00 USD. We also applied a 10% non-profit discount to their account, as we do upon request (or finding out they are a non-profit like AFA!) 

If you are an active customer of SimpleCert and would like to enter your certificate to be considered for the Certificate of the Month Program, please reach out to inquires@simplecert.net.

September Certificate of the Month

SimpleCert Celebrates September’s Certificate of the Month Winner

September 26, 2022

A big congratulations to the California Gang Investigators Association (C.G.I.A.) for winning the September Certificate of the Month! Erica Taylor, the Secretary for CGIA has been using SimpleCert’s certificate management and creation features to award certifications for Peace Officer Standards and Training completion. 

The California Gang Investigators Association was founded to help better relationships and foster networking with various investigative units handling street gangs in Los Angeles County. Since 1977, the CGIA has assisted in coordinating approaches to gang investigations, training and help serve the needs of law enforcement by offering quality gang training that aims to help perform their duties in a professional and ethical manner. These training courses are where SimpleCert has helped the most, as Erica Taylor, the Secretary of the CGIA said:

“SimpleCert allows me the versatility to create, manage, and email certificates to our members within a fraction of the time in using traditional certificate paper. Creating certificates for more than 500 attendees used to take several hours. Now I can complete this task within an hour. I can design certificates with our logo and include any partnering organization logo. The easy template feature allows me the functionality of creating specific wording and font selection that aligns for a professional look to our certificates.”

We proudly showcase the certificate Erica has made that has earned her September’s Certificate of the Month Program winner. By being selected as a Certificate of the Month winner, the California Gang Investigators Association will receive a free month’s subscription in their Enterprise account!

Thank you to Erica and the CGIA for using our Certificate Management and Creation System and being a valued member of the SimpleCert community. 

Do you want to be part of our portfolio? If so, contact inquires@simplecert.net today!

SimpleCert Celebrates July’s Certificate of the Month Winner

July 16, 2022

Congratulations Lauren Brickey, the Director of CPR Connections LLC, on winning July’s Certificate of the Month! Lauren is a PRO Monthly plan holder that has used SimpleCert since early 2022 to create over 157 projects and 1309 certificate recipients. The certificate she has crafted is an excellent example of how life-saving skill certifications can be delivered to a large number of students easily and combined with enhancement features to communicate when it’s time for their certificate to be renewed. 

CPR Connections is an emergency training school that provides all manner of life-saving skills to its students in Las Vegas for over 25 years, helping to keep the community safer and making sure all the students get their certificates easily. CPR Connections has a team of instructors that are nationally certified to teach CPR, AED, and First Aid skills that require training students and providing them with certifications to prove those skills have been learned. About her experience using SimpleCert, Lauren has said, “CPR Connections uses SimpleCert to deliver high-quality certifications to our students who successfully complete our CPR/AED/First Aid training. The certifications are emailed to students after they take an in-person training class. Our employees at CPR Connections love using the SimpleCert software. It has transformed how we deliver certifications to our students, making our jobs easier and more streamlined. Our students also appreciate the ease of retrieving their certifications from their email after completion of one of our courses.”

We proudly showcase the certificate Lauren has made that has earned her July’s Certificate of the Month Program winner. By being selected as a certificate of the month, CPR Connections will receive a 30-day free subscription! Thank you to Lauren and CPR Connections for using our Certificate Management System and being a valued member of the SimpleCert community. 

Do you want to be part of our portfolio? If so, contact inquiries@simplecert.net today!

Continuing Professional Education

Types of Continuing Professional Education

June 21, 2022

Most of us have likely heard that education never stops, and in the professional world, that is absolutely true if you want to advance in your career. Continuing professional education can keep you in touch with the latest trends in your industry, better compete for jobs, and refresh or hone your skills. In many fields, continuing professional education (CPE) can be required as many programs will award certifications for having passed the training or course. 

What is Continuing Professional Education?

Continuing professional education, or CPE, is a general term for what is learned after a program, course, or training is completed. An example of CPE is a professional taking courses to keep or earn a license or certification. Many fields, such as medical and accounting, require those with a license to practice their specialties to take annual courses to keep their skills current. Other people may choose to take professional education programs or participate in conferences to gain new skill sets for a promotion or higher salary. Some CPA courses are offered by colleges and universities while others may be given through group internet-based CPA training programs or in-person CPA programs.

Types of CPE

There are dozens upon dozens of types of continuing professional development courses out there, too many to mention in fact, but there are two primary types of continuing professional education courses:

  • Professional licensing
  • General development/learning

General development programs are the type of programs that don’t help or offer a professional credential. They will help develop new skills or refresh current ones and can help boost your profession. For example, a graphic designer taking a course to learn the latest programs and tools available that can enhance their resume and make them a more desirable hire. 

Professional licensing courses are as they sound. These CPE programs offer development as well as certifications that prove you have taken them and know the necessary skills to maintain your license or possess it in the first place. 

Benefits of Professional Education Programs

There is a wide range of benefits that come with professional education continuing. While the specific advantages depend on what the continuing education program is and why you’re signing up for it, there are three core benefits to taking CPE courses:

  • Career Advancement: Continuing education for professionals can make your resume stand out from the competition when job hunting or seeking a promotion. Having training and courses listed, along with the certifications given, demonstrates a serious attitude towards your career and helps you accumulate more advanced skills which are both attractive to employers.
  • New Skills: While we’ve been discussing CPE in terms of career advancement and finding jobs, not all courses are about that. There are many areas of study that can be fulfilling for their own sake while potentially contributing to career advancement, like learning a new language or learning accounting to better balance the home budget. 
  • Keeps You Sharp: It’s easy to become intellectually lazy and rest on what you already know that has gotten you to where you are, the problem is that learning becomes an area of necessity rather than an investment in yourself. Taking courses or CPE development training keeps your mind active and challenged, bringing a confidence boost while bettering your skillset. Continuing education, whether for work or pleasure, is a nice reminder that there is more to know and that you’re able to know it. 

Certificates for CPE Professionals

Whether you’re interested in a CPE program or looking for easier ways to recognize your students, granting acknowledgment and certifications should be as difficult as the training itself. We at SimpleCert put giving awards and certifications on easy street by streamlining the process from signing up to delivery. Our certificate management program can be paired with a wide range of data collection platforms from MailChimp to Google Forms and offers easy-to-use design features to make your certificate as unique as your program. 

Discover the simple way to grant certifications to your professionals with SimpleCert certificate maker.

QR Code Authentication for Certificates

December 13, 2021

This feature is available for Advanced / Professional / Enterprise Monthly subscribers.

QR Code Authentication for Certificates

Certificates are a great way to demonstrate skills learned, achievements made, and prove qualifications earned, although in our digital age, a piece of paper may not be enough for certificate verification. It’s pretty common for a software system to generate a digital copy of certificates which you can then print out and show or digitally deliver in some way, but with so many tools available to create fake certificates, it can be difficult to ensure someone has the skills a certificate says they do.

A solution to that problem is QR code authentication for certificates. Let’s go over how that works.

What is a QR Code?

QR codes are 2D (or two-dimensional) barcodes where you can scan by using your smartphone or an app designed to read them. Unlike old school barcodes, you don’t need any fancy equipment to read QR codes, and they can be linked to unlimited content from a website link to a PDF. Some have wondered why we don’t use barcodes for certificate verification, which is a fair question to have.

The problem with standard barcodes is how they’re read, which is top to bottom. What gives QR codes the ability to house far more information than the standard barcode is how they’re read both top to bottom and left to right. They’re also much easier to scan since you no longer have to find the “right” angle to read it. Consider being in line at the grocery store and how it can take a few scans to get your groceries to read.

Some wonder if QR codes can collect personal information or be hacked, and that’s an important question to ask yourself, especially for certificate verification. The short answer is no, QR codes cannot collect personally identifiable information, nor can they be hacked. The security risk associated with QR codes comes from the destination it is sending you to, like clicking on a bad link in a spam email. The best way to avoid any security threats to your smartphone is to only scan QR codes that come from safe outlets and be wary of warnings your phone may send you when linking to a website or document.

Why QR Codes for Certificate Verification?

Since QR codes themselves cannot be hacked and they can store a lot of information, they are a cost-effective and secure method of certificate verification. You can create a QR code and link it to certificate information, including details like a certificate number, license details, a name, whatever is relevant to verify certificates. That information can be saved in a database and made available on a private URL where whoever scans the QR code can be taken to confirm the information.

If you’re worried about your information being online, don’t worry. Remember that a QR code cannot be hacked and scanning it only verifies the information in a database. It cannot be tampered with.

How to Add QR Codes to Control Certificate Counterfeiting

Using QR codes to access a code validation page or as a code securing document isn’t new. In fact, there are a few ways to add QR codes to be used as a document security system of sorts depending on your needs and the tool used:

QR Code Generator Tool

This isn’t the best option if you’re just making more than a few certificates with QR codes. You would need to have a professional QR code generator tool, such as the one built into SimpleCert’s QR authentication feature, where you can choose a category and enter the information for a single QR code. You would do this one by one till all the certificates you’re making can be verified.

QR Code Creation via API System

There are some platforms, like SimpleCert, where you can create QR codes for certificate verification as part of your certificate creation. The benefit here is that the QR code generated by SimpleCert is derived from the recipient list imported or stored in your account. For example, SimpleCert works with Zapier as part of a streamlined system for certificate creation. The information collected via Zapier, transported to SimpleCert, where the QR code is generated, makes for a streamlined process without constant re-entering of information. This is a wonderful solution for more bulk certificate-making instead of creating a QR code one by one.

QR Code Certificate Authentication System

SimpleCert is dedicated to the ease of celebrating achievement and ensuring those who work to gain their skills can prove their accomplishment when needed. As part of our commitment to streamlined certificate creation processes, we provide QR code verification for companies and organizations that need them. The QR code will have all certificate information saved in SimpleCert’s database which is available via URL. When you scan the code, the end-user is redirected to the URL for verification. If the URL does not redirect to the same certificate you’re being presented with, then it is not authentic.

Wondering what that costs? It’s completely free to sign up and you get your first 10 certifications without being charged. After you’re done designing your certificate you’ll have the option to save, print, send, store, or share on social media. You can even upload a list of recipients that can instantly get their printable certification.

If you’re ever stuck on a design or need help with the myriad of tools SimpleCert provides in our design studio, we have a handy Support Team where you can get the most out of creating a real estate certification.

If you’re ready to be awarded with ease, sign-up for free today and share your achievements however you see fit.

Find what you need to show your achievement!

zapier integration infographic

Your Certificates Made Easier with Zapier

October 13, 2021

SimpleCert is dedicated to easing the way people receive recognition and removing the roadblocks to celebrating achievement, and to that end, we’re proud to announce:

SimpleCert is now on Zapier!

Now you automate your data flow into SimpleCert, completing the process from information gathered to certificate received without more than a click or two. With SimpleCert on Zapier, you can have your data enter SimpleCert from any other web application onto the Zapier platform. 

If you’re already a Zapier user, we’ve got a full list of integration templates that are configured to send data into SimpleCert. If you aren’t a Zapier user yet, give it a try! You can test it for free and “Zap” data for up to 100 certificates into SimpleCert before paying a dime. 

Integrations for SimpleCert

Below you’ll find the list of integration templates that are ready to go with SimpleCert, and to better streamline the certification process we’ve ensured the most popular web-based applications used to collect information can be paired with us:

  • Google Sheets
  • Keap Max Classic
  • MailChimp
  • SurveyMonkey
  • GoToWebinar
  • Gravity Forms
  • JotForms
  • Wufoo Forms
  • Kajabi

You can explore the many certificate options for various types of events and organizations, get a more thorough grasp of all that SimpleCert can take off your plate through these pages:

Discover Streamlined Certificates with Zapier

Celebration and being recognized for work you’ve done shouldn’t be a hassle, which is why we’ve teamed up with Zapier- to get rid of the burden of delivering and creating certificates. To better help you streamline that process, we’ve outlined all the ways SimpleCert and Zapier make celebrating easier:

Make sure to click on each integration icon to learn more about how SimpleCert works with each of these applications.

How SimpleCert Helps

If you’d like us to build a Zap template for you, we invite you to contact us and let us know! We’d love to help out, no strings attached, just don’t let your neighbors beat you to it.

We’re excited to offer another way to streamline and automate your busy day, and we want to thank you for being part of the SimpleCert Community!

Celebrate with ease and recognize without the burden of certificate creation or delivery. It’s just gotten easier. 

What it Takes to Gain a Non-Profit Certification.

What it Takes to Gain a Non-Profit Certification

August 13, 2021

Working with a non-profit means your career is dedicated to something you care deeply about. That kind of passion should be celebrated, along with your professional achievements. A custom non-profit certification design should reflect the importance of your passion and success, after all, it is a difficult certification to get.

Gaining a Non-Profit Certification

It’s no easy feat to achieve a non-profit certification or earn recognition in any kind of company. The job itself can be strenuous while the amount of skills learned, time invested, and coursework given is challenging. 

To earn a non-profit certification means:

  • Completing extensive coursework that stems from ten core competencies.
  • Complete a baccalaureate degree
  • Complete a 300-hour internship at a nonprofit

The few points above aren’t all that is required, but an example of the work you do to earn a CNP and make an impact on the world. If you’re not seeking a non-profit certification, there are still many kinds of recognition you can earn while working at a non-profit or give to others. For example:

  • You could be recognized for your fundraising abilities. Earning an award for most dollars raised.
  • Recognizing volunteers that have helped your non-profit achieve a goal. 
  • Your donors could be given printable certificates to express thanks for their giving. This often leads to repeat donations as well. 
  • Accomplishments feel better when they’re recognized. Any employee in a non-profit works hard to achieve the organization’s goal. Printable certificates, specially designed, offer a morale boost as well as making sure your people feel appreciated. 

Everyone wants to celebrate achievements, no matter the sort they’ve earned. It’s important to have well-designed, meaningful printable certificates that are personalized for those who’ve been successful. Sure, you could have a readymade stack of generic “thank you” and “congratulations”, but that would fail to underscore their appreciation. That’s why SimpleCert doesn’t offer generic certificates. We provide the tools and templates to personalize printable certificates, streamlining how they’re delivered to create ease in recognizing people.

SimpleCert Celebrates Non-Profits

A non-profit serves an important function, working to create significant change by striving for impact rather than profitability. We at SimpleCert want to thank those who work from the heart and that’s why we offer a 10% discount on your printable certificates. 

Beyond thanking you for your work, SimpleCert stands apart from other certificate companies by our Certificate Management System. You’re able to build personalized printable certificates and email templates that can be sent or shared on social media instantly. 

Many companies simply deliver premade certificates without considering that people want to share their achievements with loved ones. That’s why SimpleCert has created a way to remove the time it takes to deliver a certificate or award and make printable certificates instant, as well as shareable social media certificates. 

How to Use SimpleCert Printable Certificates

Ready to begin creating nonprofit printable certificates? Before you hop into the process with a credit card in hand, you should know that it’s completely FREE to create an account as well as the first 10 printable certificates you create and send.

Get Your Free Printable Certificates Here

After you’ve created your account, you’ll arrive at the SimpleCert design studio where you’ll find a wide selection of prebuilt certificate templates. If none of them are to your fancy or you want to add a more personalized touch, you can create your own as well! You’ll have tools to add custom artwork, your company logo, or browse the thousands of photos, graphics, and icons in our library. 

Once you’re satisfied with your non-profit certification or award design you’ll have the option to save, print, send, store, or share on social media. If you have multiple recipients, you can upload a list of where to send it via email and away they go. 

SimpleCert has streamlined the delivery of non-profit certificates as well as created ways to ensure they’re unique. Just as we show appreciation for your impactful work, we know you want to show gratitude for the efforts of those who make your mission achievable.

We also provide a help center to make sure you get the most out of SimpleCert’s design studio and delivery function. If you do have any questions regarding our printable certificates or our services in general, we encourage you to contact us. 

We can be reached on social media:

Facebook Twitter Linkedin Youtube

By phone: 971-351-4691

By email: inquiries@simplecert.net

Real Estate Certificates.

Real Estate Certificates

July 30, 2021

Real estate certifications are important to have, not just so you can have a job but to also communicate to home buyers and sellers that you have the knowledge in their pursuits. How that certification appears is just as important as having one. If you scribble on a piece of paper or have some sloppy printout, it doesn’t offer too much confidence to people looking for a competent realtor. 

Before we get into all that, let’s go over what a real estate certification is and the many types beyond being licensed to be a realtor. 

What is a Real Estate Certification?

A real estate certification or real estate designations are specialized credentials for realtors that communicate a specific knowledge, experience, or education in a variety of types of real estate. While additional certifications aren’t required, they do translate to ongoing and up-to-date knowledge that can better serve clients in a myriad of types of real estate. 

An example of a real estate certification that can boost business is a certificate of skills that deal with land selling. This is important knowledge to have when it comes to farms or empty lots. A very different ball game than selling or buying homes, which is what a lot of people think of when it comes to real estate. The knowledge a realtor has regarding homes doesn’t necessarily translate to luxury developments of skyscrapers or farmland. 

The Different Types of Real Estate Certificates

While there is a myriad of real estate agent certifications online and designations, below you’ll find a list of some more popular ones:

ALC: Accredited Land Consultant

This real estate certification focuses on individuals that specialize in land brokerage transactions, like farms and rances or undeveloped land. They are also knowledgeable on wholesaling lots, site selection, subdivisions, development land, and land parcels. 

CCIM: Certified Commercial Investment Member

This certification means the realtor has completed advanced coursework in financial and market analysis which strongly caters to the commercial real estate industry. Having the CCIM means being recognized as a leading expert in commercial investment real estate.

CRB: Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager

This designation is for realtors interested in real estate managing brokerage and communicates a level of industry knowledge that tends to increase firm profitability. 

MRP: Military Relocation Professional

This real estate certification is for those who are interested in working with current and former military service members. It is focused on helping veterans and their families find housing solutions that take full advantage of the benefits and support afforded to our military.

Using SimpleCert to Create Printable Certificates

SimpleCert provides real estate certifications without the waiting hassle or cheap-looking designs. You have access to the SimpleCert design studio where you can choose from an enormous library of prebuilt certificate templates or create one yourself. You’re able to add custom artwork, company logos, or choose from the thousands of photos, graphics, and icons to ensure your real estate certification is unique.

Wondering what that costs? It’s completely free to sign up and you get your first 10 real estate certifications without being charged. After you’re done designing the real estate designation you’ll have the option to save, print, send, store, or share on social media. You can even upload a list of recipients that can instantly get their printable real estate certification. 

If you’re ever stuck on a design or need help with the myriad of tools SimpleCert provides in our design studio, we have a handy help center where you can get the most out of creating a real estate certification. 

If you’re ready to be awarded with ease, sign-up for free today and share your achievements however you see fit.

Scroll to Top