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A provisional certificate (PC) marks the completion of an academic degree. Students receive the provisional certificate before receiving the original academic certificate. This validates the person passing out from an institute in case the original degree is not available yet. It can be from any university or examination board.
It assures the academic expertise of a person. This certificate of completion specifies one’s experience. Many institutes issue original certificates a long time after degree completion. Hence, PC then plays an important role during admissions.
What is a Provisional Certificate?
Before the degree is awarded, the PC serves as evidence. This certificate helps students, when they apply for jobs or higher education, to show their academic standing. It indicates that the student has completed a university education at that specific university.
Information like the student’s name, the course from which they graduated, and the division they earned while earning the degree, are included in the provisional degree.
Organizations or businesses looking to hire candidates also consider the PC. Universities accept this certificate for applications after course completion. The provisional degree or certificate is valid till the concerned university or college issues the original degree.
How to Get a Provisional Certificate?
The process for getting a PC can vary depending on the institution and the program of study. Here are some usual steps you need to follow for getting a PC.
- After completing your university education, contact your academic advisor or the registrar’s office. This is how you can find out how to apply for a provisional certificate. They can also provide you with the expected timetable.
Your university might have a website where that provides an online PC or the steps to download it offline. Here is an example of the Delhi University website page on the provisional certificate.
- You may need to fill out an application form. Also, provide proof that you have completed all the coursework.
- Examine the provisional certificate’s eligibility. This may include minimum grade requirements. The completion of specific courses or other program-specific requirements also counts.
- There may also be a fee associated with applying. Check with the institution for details.
- You should talk to your academic advisor or the registrar’s office. This is to find out when a PC for your program of study usually comes out. They can provide you with more specific details about the procedure and timetable.
Provisional Certificate vs. Permanent Certificate
The official certificate you receive after completing college is a degree certificate. And there is a difference between a PC and a degree certificate. First, unlike when the fee is imposed for the issuance of a permanent degree, there is no charge for it.
A provisional certificate is a temporary certificate awarded to a student. It is after the completion of all the academic necessities for a degree or program of study. It shows that the student has met the minimum academic progress. But they are still working on fulfilling other requirements.
A provisional certificate is usually valid for a specific period. After completion of all the requirements, it must replace a permanent certificate.
Whereas, a permanent certificate is for students who complete all requirements. This includes anything beyond coursework. It is a permanent record of the student’s achievement. Plus, it is usually needed for job opportunities or further college education.
Related: Importance of an Experience Certificate for Your Career
Application for Provisional Degree Certificate
An application is a kick-start. This starts the process of getting a provisional certificate issued. This application is a letter to the principal, HOD, or the registrar’s office. And it’s important to keep in mind the following points:
- One should send the application to the department head or the university’s dean.
- Include the course’s name, name, and year of graduation.
- After that, students can request their PC for immediate use.
- Also, provide specifics about the reasons why you need it.
- Only provide accurate information in appropriate formatting.
Sample Application
To,
Institute Head/HOD
University Name
University Address
Date: XYZ
Subject: Application for the issuance of Provisional Certificate
Respected [Ma’am/Sir]
I am writing to request a provisional certificate for the [Name of Program] program I completed at [Name of Institution]. I have completed all the coursework for the program. I’m currently fulfilling the remaining requirements.
Currently, I am applying for a job opportunity. Hence, the employer requires a provisional certificate as proof of program completion. I would be grateful if you could issue the same.
I have attached all the necessary documents to support my request. This is including my academic transcripts and other relevant documents. Please let me know if there is any more information that you need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For more samples visit here
Takeaways
There is no major difference between a provisional certificate and your original degree. Both documents show that you have specialized in a particular area. Your certificate expresses the course you have finished. But, a provisional certificate includes the marks you have secured, along with your course details.
It is important to present your educational qualifications for higher education or a job. A provisional certificate does that. You need to show your academic transcripts with the degree certificate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A provisional certificate is a temporary university document. It is valid until a permanent degree is awarded at convocation.
To get a PC, you must have completed the required coursework for your degree or program. You can then apply through your academic advisor or the registrar’s office.
There are many requirements for eligibility for a PC. The completion of all required courses for your degree or program of study is one. Completion of particular courses and any other program requirements are also needed. This is with a minimum grade point average.
We need many documents to apply for a PC. This includes a soft copy of the photograph, ID proof with signatures, and academic transcripts.
It usually remains a valid certificate for approximately six months or until the students receive a degree.
After earning your college degree, the official, permanent certificate you receive is called a degree certificate. A temporary copy is known as a PC. It is useful for proving that you have completed your degree until you receive the official copy.
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