Certificate Generation & Public Verification

Last Updated: 2026-05-27 | Applies to: IK v1.2+

Certificate Types

InstitutionKit generates 4 types of certificates:

Public Verification System

Every certificate includes a QR code and certificate number that anyone can verify publicly.

Verification URL: https://yourschool.com/verify-certificate/

How it works:

1. Certificate holder visits verification page
2. Enters certificate number OR scans QR code
3. System validates against database
4. Shows certificate details (if genuine) or "Not Found" (if fake)

Shortcode Usage

Place this shortcode on any page to create a verification portal:

[ik_certificate_verify]

Recommended page setup:

Page Title: Certificate VerificationSlug: verify-certificateContent: [ik_certificate_verify]Template: Full-width (no sidebar)

Database Structure

Certificates are stored in wp_institutionkit_certificates:

Generating a Certificate

For Students:

1. Navigate to: Student Management → 🎓 Certificates
2. Click "Generate Certificate"
3. Select:
   • Student (search by name)
   • Certificate type
   • Fill in details (DOB, father's name, conduct, etc.)
4. Preview → Approve → Print/Download

For Staff:

1. Navigate to: Teacher Management → Certificates
2. Select staff member
3. Choose "Employment Certificate"
4. Enter designation, salary, duration
5. Generate

QR Code Integration

Each certificate automatically gets a QR code that links to:

text

https://yourschool.com/verify-certificate/?cert=IK-LC-2026-0042

Anyone scanning the QR code can instantly verify authenticity.

Anti-Forgery Features

1. Unique certificate numbers - Sequentially generated, cannot be guessed
2. Database verification - Must match records exactly
3. Issued by tracking - Shows which admin created it
4. Date stamping - Issue date permanently recorded

Certificate Template Customization

Certificates use WordPress custom post type ik_certificate:

• Navigate to: Certificate Templates (under Student Management)
• Create templates with merge fields:
  text

  {student_name}  → Replaced with actual name{father_name}   → Replaced with parent name{dob}           → Replaced with date of birth{issue_date}    → Replaced with current date{cert_number}   → Replaced with unique ID

Verification Flow (What Users See)

Successful verification:

✅ Certificate Verified!Certificate #: IK-LC-2026-0042Student Name: John DoeFather's Name: Mr. Robert DoeDate of Birth: March 15, 2015Certificate Type: Leaving CertificateIssue Date: May 27, 2026Issued By: City Public SchoolStatus: GENUINE ✓

Failed verification:

❌ Certificate Not FoundThe certificate number you entered does not exist in our records.This certificate may be invalid or counterfeit.Please contact the school office for verification.

API Integration (Advanced)

For institutions that need programmatic verification:

php

// Verify certificate via API endpoint$cert_number = 'IK-LC-2026-0042';$response = wp_remote_get(    'https://yourschool.com/wp-json/ik/v1/verify-certificate/' . $cert_number);$data = json_decode(wp_remote_retrieve_body($response));if ($data->valid) {    echo "Certificate is genuine for: " . $data->student_name;}