Verifying a Certificate
One of Credenza's core strengths is that anyone (the recipient, an employer, or a university) can independently verify a certificate's authenticity without needing to contact the issuing institution.
How Verification Works
Every certificate issued through Credenza has a cryptographic proof stored on the blockchain. When someone verifies a certificate, Credenza:
- Retrieves the certificate's hash from the blockchain
- Computes the hash of the current certificate data
- Compares the two. If they match, the certificate is valid. If not, it has been tampered with
This process is fully transparent and does not rely on trusting Credenza. It relies on the blockchain itself.
Verification Methods
There are three ways to verify a certificate:
1. Via QR Code
Every issued certificate contains a QR code. Scanning it opens the official verification page, which shows:
- Certificate holder's name
- Issuing organization
- Issue date
- Verification status (Verified or Failed)
2. Via Direct Link
Each certificate has a unique URL in the format:
https://credenza.id/verify/[certificate-id]
Share this link with anyone who needs to verify the certificate.
3. Via the Verification Page
Visit the verification page and enter the certificate ID manually to check its status without scanning a QR code.
Verification Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Verified | The certificate is authentic and unchanged |
| Tampered | The certificate data has been modified after issuance |
| Not Found | The certificate ID does not exist in the system |
| Revoked | The certificate was revoked by the issuing organization |
For HR & Employers
If you receive a certificate from a candidate, you do not need an account to verify it. Simply:
- Scan the QR code on the certificate, or
- Visit the verification link printed on the certificate
The result is displayed instantly. No login required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a certificate be verified offline?
Not currently. Verification requires a connection to the blockchain network.
What if the issuing institution no longer exists?
Because the proof is stored on the blockchain, certificates remain verifiable even if the issuing institution has closed.
Can the issuer revoke a certificate?
Yes. Issuers can revoke certificates from the dashboard, after which verification will show a "Revoked" status.