New Secure Digital Certificates

We are pleased to share an important update regarding our certification process. Effective immediately, every certificate issued by GACO, whether for course completion, event attendance, or the accrual of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, will be issued as a digital credential rather than a PDF attachment.

We understand that procedural changes require adjustment; however, we wish to emphasize that this transition is designed to provide you with a more secure and efficient experience, requiring no additional action on your part. Please find the details of these enhancements below.

What to Expect

Upon earning a certificate, you will receive an email containing a link to your credential. Accessing this link will open your certificate within a secure online environment, accessible at any time from any device. This system eliminates the need for downloads and prevents the loss of documentation within your email archives.

The Rationale for This Transition

• Increased Security and Integrity: Unlike PDF documents, which can be easily altered, a digital certificate is tamper-proof. Any unauthorized modification immediately invalidates its verification, ensuring the continued prestige of your achievements.
• Instant Verification: Each certificate includes a unique verification link. Employers, regulators, or clients can confirm the authenticity of your credential and its issuance by GACO in seconds, without the need for manual administrative checks.
• Centralized Accessibility: Your credentials will be maintained in a personal digital wallet available 24/7. This ensures your certificates remain accessible regardless of changes to your employment or hardware.
• Professional Visibility: You may seamlessly add your credentials to the Licenses and Certifications section of your LinkedIn profile or share them via professional social networks. This allows your professional development to be easily recognised by relevant stakeholders.

Existing Documentation

Please be assured that any PDF certificates currently in your possession remain fully valid. This new protocol applies exclusively to certificates issued from this date forward.