Create Certificate Requests with QR Codes at Events

Why QR Codes Are Changing the Way Certificates Are Requested

Many event organizers still handle certificates manually: Collecting participant data, verifying attendance, and sending out PDFs after the event. This process takes time, often causes delays, and is prone to errors.

QR codes offer a smarter way to manage certificate requests.
Instead of collecting data afterward, participants can request their certificates instantly during the event by scanning a QR code. This automation ensures accuracy, saves time, and provides a better experience for attendees.

How QR-based certificate requests transform the process:

• Participants scan a QR code displayed on screens, flyers, or name badges

• They are redirected to a digital form where they can enter their information

• Requests are stored automatically and can trigger certificate creation immediately. Optionally, approval steps can be added, so certificates are generated and sent out after requests have been checked.

• Each certificate can later be verified through a dedicated validation page

The result: faster workflows, fewer errors, and certificates that are easy to validate and share.
QR codes bridge the gap between physical and digital event experiences, creating a direct and secure way for participants to request their certificates while keeping administrative effort low.

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How QR Code Certificate Requests Work in Practice

Setting up certificate requests through QR codes is straightforward and can be integrated into almost any event format.
Regardless of how your event is hosted, the setup stays consistent and easy to follow.

Before the event

• Create a certificate request form and define the necessary data fields (e.g., name, email, course title)

• Generate a unique QR code linked to this form

• Display the QR code on slides, banners, or printed materials

During the event

• Participants scan the QR code using their smartphones

• They fill in their details and confirm participation

• Requests are stored automatically in your system

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After the event

• Certificates or badges can be issued instantly or in bulk once attendance is confirmed

• Each credential includes a validation link to confirm authenticity

• Organizers can review submissions and track certificate and badge requests easily

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Key benefits of this approach:

• No manual data collection after the event

• Reduced risk of typos or lost information

• Certificates that can be verified at any time

• Consistent branding and participant experience

If you want to dive deeper, explore the article: How to Use Digital Badges Before, During, and After Your Event. It explains how to extend the event experience through digital recognition from the first interaction to post-event marketing.

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Benefits of Using QR Codes for Certificate Requests

QR codes are transforming how event organizers manage certificates. They make the process faster, more accurate, and easier to handle, especially when dealing with large groups of participants.

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1. Time efficiency and automation

Manual certificate management often means exporting attendance lists, verifying names, and sending dozens of emails. With QR codes, this work happens instantly. Participants scan, submit their details, and the data is automatically stored for certificate generation. What used to take hours can now be done in minutes.

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2. Higher data accuracy

When participants enter their information themselves, mistakes are reduced. There are no more misspelled names or wrong email addresses, and you receive clean, complete data that can be verified easily.

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3. Improved participant experience

QR codes simplify the attendee journey. Instead of waiting days for an email, participants can confirm their details during the event and know their certificate will arrive automatically. This creates a more professional and satisfying experience.

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4. Centralized management and transparency

Every request is logged in one place. You always know who requested a certificate and whether it has been issued or verified. This makes follow-ups and compliance reporting much easier.

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5. Sustainability and modern branding

Moving from paper certificates to digital requests saves resources and highlights your event’s innovative approach. QR codes on screens, banners, or even participant badges create a tech-forward impression that strengthens your brand identity.

By integrating QR codes into your certification process, you simplify logistics, reduce workload, and deliver a smooth, trustworthy experience for participants — all while staying modern and efficient.

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Ensuring Security and Verification After the Event

After your event, the focus shifts from convenience to trust. Certificates need to be verifiable, especially when they are used for official or professional purposes. QR-based systems make that simple.

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• Built-in verification for every certificate
  Each certificate can include a unique link or QR code that leads to a validation page. Anyone scanning it can instantly confirm that the certificate is genuine with verified details like participant name, event title, and issue date.

• Protection against fake or edited certificates
  Unlike traditional PDFs, verified digital certificates can’t be manipulated. Even if someone tries to alter a file, the original validation page will reveal whether the certificate is authentic.

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• Full traceability and compliance
  Every request and certificate is recorded digitally, which means you always have an overview of who received what and when. This traceability is especially valuable for institutions that need to meet audit or reporting requirements.

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• Building trust with verification
  Being able to prove authenticity instantly adds credibility. Employers and partners can check certificates in seconds, which reflects positively on your organization’s professionalism.

For more on why verifiable digital certificates are essential today, see Tamper-Proof Certificates: Fundamentals. It shows how verification technology helps prevent fraud and builds long-term trust.

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Integrating QR Code Requests into Your Event Workflow

QR codes fit easily into any event setup — from small workshops to large conferences. They connect participants directly to your certificate process.

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Before the event

• Prepare your certificate form and link it to a QR code

• Place the code on slides, welcome screens, or printed materials

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During the event

• Participants scan the code to confirm attendance

• Requests are saved automatically, ready for certificate creation

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After the event

• Certificates can be generated in bulk or automatically

• Each certificate includes a validation link for authenticity

By automating these steps, you save time and ensure every participant receives a consistent, branded certificate.

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Success Cases of After-Event Badges: EU vs Virus

A great example of using certificates and badges after an event is the case study: EU vs Virus Hackathon, which is a European initiative that brought together thousands of participants across the continent.

After the event ended, organizers used digital badges to recognize every contributor’s effort and participation. Each badge included:

• A personalized validation link confirming official participation

• A visual design connected to the EU initiative’s branding

• The option for recipients to share their achievement publicly on LinkedIn

This approach turned post-event recognition into a moment of visibility and pride.
Participants shared their verified badges online, amplifying the hackathon’s reach and strengthening the community connection long after the event concluded.

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Best Practices and Marketing Opportunities with Certificates

QR-based certificate requests don’t just simplify logistics, they can also support your marketing.
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Keep it simple

• Use short, mobile-friendly forms

• Display QR codes clearly with a simple call to action

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Add value

• Brand your validation page with your logo and event details

• Include links to future events or courses

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Encourage sharing

• Verified certificates can be shared on LinkedIn or social media

• This generates organic visibility and strengthens your reputation

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And this is what a simple, ready-to-share digital certificate looks like:

Start creating seamless, verifiable certificates for your next event and see how easy QR-based requests can be.
Schedule a free demo or sign up for your 7-day free trial.

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