When the internship is over, it is easy to think: grade set, done. But it is often the internship certificate – not the grade – that follows the student into the next job interview.
An internship certificate is a written document from the workplace that describes what the intern has done during the period, which competencies they developed and how the work has gone. It is not a grade and not an employment contract, but a valuable work sample that shows real experience.
Why is the internship certificate important?#
For the student, the certificate is often the only documented proof of work experience before the first real job. It shows:
- which industry the person has worked in
- which concrete tasks were performed
- which tools and methods were used
- how the employer experienced the collaboration
For employers about to hire junior staff, a well-written internship certificate is one of the most reliable references available – it is written by someone who has actually seen the person work.
Difference between certificate, grade and reference#
| Document | Who writes it | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Internship certificate | Company/supervisor | What the intern did and how it went |
| Grade/assessment | School based on the supervisor's input | Assessment against learning objectives |
| Reference | Previous manager/supervisor | Verbal confirmation upon request |
| Employment certificate | Employer after employment | Summary after a completed employment |
The internship certificate and the employment certificate are similar but apply in different situations. An internship certificate is issued after an education-based internship, while an employment certificate is issued after actual employment.
What should an internship certificate contain?#
A complete internship certificate should always include the following parts:
1. Identification of the parties#
- The company's name, organisation number and address
- The intern's full name and personal number (or just date of birth)
- The supervisor's name, title and contact details
- The school's name and program where applicable
2. Time period and scope#
- Start and end date
- Number of weeks or days
- Approximate working hours per week
- Any breaks (illness, leave)
3. Description of tasks#
Concrete and specific, not in general terms.
Bad:
The intern has helped with various tasks at the company.
Good:
During her LIA, Anna worked in our customer service team, handling cases in Zendesk, attending weekly meetings, and independently writing replies to common support questions in English.
4. Competencies and development#
Describe both hard and soft skills:
- which systems, tools and methods were used
- which projects or deliverables were completed
- how communication and collaboration worked
- what progression the supervisor observed during the period
5. The company's assessment#
A short statement from the supervisor. It should be honest but professionally worded. Don't write things you wouldn't want to stand behind.
6. Date, place and signature#
- Date when the certificate is issued
- Place
- Supervisor's signature and any company stamp
What should NOT be in an internship certificate?#
- Personal opinions unrelated to the work
- Information about illness or health
- Political or religious opinions
- Negative wording without factual grounds
- Salary levels (the internship is unpaid)
- Confidential company information
Remember the certificate must be shareable openly with future employers.
Internship certificate template#
_31[Company logo]_31_31INTERNSHIP CERTIFICATE_31_31This is to certify that_31_31 [Intern's name], [date of birth]_31_31has completed [LIA/APL/VFU/internship] at_31[Company name] during the period_31[start date] to [end date], a total of [number] weeks_31at approximately [number] hours per week._31_31Tasks_31[Describe 3–6 concrete tasks and projects]_31_31Tools and methods used_31[List relevant systems, software, methods]_31_31Development during the period_31[Describe what the intern learned and how the work developed]_31_31Assessment_31[Short professional assessment from the supervisor]_31_31[Place], [date]_31_31______________________________31[Supervisor name]_31[Title]_31[Company]
Tips for you as a supervisor#
- Ask the intern what they want highlighted. The certificate is for their future career.
- Be concrete. Generic certificates help no one.
- Write it before the last day. It is easy to forget after the intern has left.
- Save a copy in the company's system. Interns often come back years later asking for a new version.
- Provide both digital and printed versions. The student needs to attach digitally and show physically.
Tips for you as a student#
- Ask for the certificate in good time. Bring it up at the mid-term check-in, not on the last day.
- Suggest items the supervisor can include. You remember your work better than they do.
- Review the certificate before passing it on. Typos and incorrect dates are common.
- Store the original safely. Scan it and keep it both digitally and physically.
How Prakto can help#
For schools and companies handling many internship periods at once, it becomes easier to compile certificates and evaluations in a digital internship platform like Prakto. The supervisor fills in structured fields, the certificate is generated automatically and the student can download it directly.
Frequently asked questions about internship certificates#
Is the company required to issue a certificate?#
There is no legal requirement, but it is a strong industry norm and often part of the internship agreement. Most reputable companies issue certificates automatically at the end of an internship.
What do I do if I don't receive a certificate?#
Ask the supervisor for one in writing. If that doesn't help, contact your school or LIA coordinator who can take the conversation with the company.
Can I write my own draft of the certificate?#
Yes. Many supervisors appreciate it if the intern sends a draft with factual information (dates, tasks, tools) that the supervisor then complements with their assessment.
How long is an internship certificate valid?#
It never becomes "invalid", but the older it gets, the less weight it carries compared to later work experience. For students within 1–2 years after graduation, the certificate is highly valuable.
Is an internship certificate enough as a reference when applying for jobs?#
It is a strong complement, but a verbal reference from the supervisor often carries more weight. Always ask for both if possible.
Conclusion#
A good internship certificate is concrete, honest and written with respect for the fact that the student will use it for years to come. For the supervisor, it takes 30 minutes to write. For the intern, it can be decisive for their first job.
