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Certificate of Completion vs Certified Certification

Last updated on Sep 14, 2026

Certificate of Completion vs Certified Certification

These are two different credentials. Completing the course and passing the exam are not the same thing.

Certificate of Completion

You earn a Certificate of Completion by finishing all mandatory course work.

That includes:

  • All mandatory labs

  • All mandatory quizzes

  • Any other content marked as mandatory


Optional content does not block this certificate.

When you have completed every mandatory item, you can download the Certificate of Completion from the course page. This certificate typically includes CPE credits.

A Certificate of Completion shows that you finished the required training. It is not the same as being certified.

Certified Certification

You earn the Certified credential by passing the certification exam.

You do not need to finish all mandatory labs, quizzes, or other mandatory course work before you:

  • Schedule the exam

  • Take the exam

  • Pass the exam and receive the Certified credential

You can book and complete the exam even if some mandatory course items are still unfinished.

Once you pass, you receive the official Certified certification for that course.

Schedule the exam through the Members Portal: https://members.practical-devsecops.training

Quick comparison

| | Certificate of Completion | Certified Certification |

| --- | --- | --- |

| How you get it | Complete all mandatory labs, quizzes, and other mandatory items | Pass the certification exam |

| Do you need to finish all mandatory work? | Yes | No |

| Can you schedule the exam without finishing the course? | Not required for this certificate | Yes |

| What it proves | You completed the required training | You passed the official exam |

Summary

  • Finish all mandatory work: Certificate of Completion

  • Pass the exam: Certified certification

  • You can schedule and take the exam without completing every mandatory item

If you are unsure which one you have earned, check your course page for the Certificate of Completion download, and the Members Portal for exam scheduling and Certified status.