Step 1: check you actually passed
Alison's help center answers the question of why 100% course progress has not made you certified: certification requires passing the final assessment with the required score: 80% or higher for most courses, or 70% for beginner-level Certificate courses. Once you pass with the required score, the course is marked Complete automatically.
Alison says you do not need to complete all topics before the final assessment; the Certify Now option takes you straight to it. Alison's How do I get my Certificate article also says to make sure every section of the course shows a green tick.
Step 2: if progress is stuck or looks wrong
A mismatch between the course page and the Dashboard is often expected. Alison explains that the learning page shows progress within the module you are on, while the Dashboard shows the whole course, so finishing module 2 of a seven-module course can show 100% on the page and about 36% on the Dashboard. If progress genuinely is not updating, Alison suggests these steps in order.
- Switch from a phone or tablet to a computer.
- Use Google Chrome, Safari or Mozilla Firefox.
- Clear your browser cache.
- Stay on each topic or slide for more than 30 seconds so the system can track your activity.
- Repeat the topics or assessments that have not updated.
Step 3: certificates are bought, not sent automatically
Apart from a short list of courses with free digital certificates, an Alison certificate is an optional purchase. After you pass, Alison says the certificate is available to buy from the Shop; in the app, the Shop lists your Unclaimed Certificates. You check the name on the certificate, choose the course and certificate type, apply any discount, then pay by card, PayPal or bank transfer in a browser, or Apple Pay or Google Pay for digital certificates in the app.
If you do not want to pay, the free Learner Record in Settings confirms the courses you completed and your results.
| Where you are | Where to look | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Course passed, nothing bought | Shop (Unclaimed Certificates in the app) | Certificate is ready to purchase |
| Digital certificate bought | Dashboard widget Claimed Certificate (app: Certificates Claimed) | Download once payment clears |
| Transcript wanted | Three dots beside the course on the Dashboard | Download Transcript or Get Attestation Letter (browser only for the letter) |
| App download saved | Android Downloads folder; iOS Files folder | Where the app stores files |
| No purchase | Settings, Learner Record panel | Free record of completed courses |
Step 4: printed certificate not arrived
Printed parchments go by Royal Mail to your country and are then delivered by your national postal service. Alison says Royal Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to European destinations and about 10 to 14 business days elsewhere, and suggests allowing up to 28 working days in total. If more than 28 working days have passed with no delivery record, Alison's article says to contact your national postal service, which can tell you whether the item was delivered, is in transit or was returned to Alison.
Alison recommends giving a full delivery address, including a PO Box and postcode where relevant, when you order.
| Destination | Royal Mail typical time | Alison's overall advice |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 5 to 10 business days | Allow up to 28 working days |
| Outside Europe | About 10 to 14 business days | Allow up to 28 working days |
| After 28 working days | Not applicable | Contact your national postal service |
Step 5: wrong language, or still stuck
The certificate language follows the language of your final assessment. To change it, Alison says to retake the assessment in the new language and score higher than before; a parchment already sent in the old language needs a new order, so confirm the language before buying.
If none of this resolves it, Alison's contact page offers a Chat With Us option and a support email address. Include the course name, the email on your account and any order details so support can find the record.
Questions before you decide
Why does my Alison course show 100% but no certificate?
Alison says certification needs a pass on the final assessment, whatever the progress bar shows: 80% for most courses, or 70% for beginner Certificate courses.
Where do I find my Alison digital certificate after buying it?
Alison says it appears in the Claimed Certificate widget on your Dashboard (Certificates Claimed in the app) and can be downloaded once payment clears.
How long does an Alison printed certificate take?
Royal Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to Europe and about 10 to 14 elsewhere; Alison suggests allowing up to 28 working days.
Are Alison certificates free?
Studying is free and the Learner Record is free, but most certificates are an optional purchase. Alison lists a small number of courses with free digital certificates.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Alison Help Center: My course progress is 100%, why am I not certified? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How do I get my Certificate? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: Why is my course progress/course completion not updating? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: My course shows different % of completion in the course and in the Dashboard Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How do I download my Digital Certificate? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How long does it take to receive my Certificate? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: Where is my order/certificate? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How do I download my Learner Record? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: What courses have free Certificates? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison: Contact us Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.