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Verified Certificates ensure academic integrity

November 7, 2014

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Coursera ensures that all certificates earned are secure, carry identity verification and have academic integrity. By doing so, we give learners a direct way to master a skill and earn a legitimate credential with a Verified Certificate.

Since launching in early 2013, Verified Certificates have become a key tool for learners to build and showcase skills to advance careers. Of the learners who have earned a Verified Certificate, over 60 percent shared the credentials on their LinkedIn profile. A recent joint Duke/RTI study finds that employers across a range of sectors look favorably upon online courses and accomplishments. Coursera is now one of the most recognized and trusted online destinations for learners looking to acquire and validate knowledge to the world.

As we grow our course selection, our learners will have the ability to pay for a Verified Certificate at anytime up until the final week of the course. Courses that add this new, low risk payment option will only offer a Verified Certificate and no longer provide a Statement of Accomplishment. All Statements of Accomplishments earned previously will still be available and saved on your Course Records page.

With these steps, we are establishing a fundamental value of a Verified Certificate and will continue to partner with the top universities to offer the world’s best education for free. Coursera Financial Aid remains available and encouraged for learners who want to obtain a Verified Certificate but have limited economic means.

Learn more about Verified Certificates in our Learner Help Center.

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