Bulk-generate unique credential IDs for certificates, CPD/CME/CEU records, and LinkedIn — in any format you need, like CPD-2026-0001. Sequential or cryptographically random, up to 10,000 at a time. Copy them or download a CSV/TXT for your mail merge.
A random suffix (e.g. -K7X) makes sequential IDs harder to guess.
"No look-alikes" drops 0/O and 1/I/L so IDs read unambiguously.
Live preview
Examples only — your real batch is freshly randomized. This format allows unique IDs.
⚠ You're asking for IDs but this format only allows combinations — collisions would be too likely. Increase the length or switch to a larger character set.
The CSV includes a blank "Recipient Name" column — paste your recipient list next to the IDs for an instant mail merge. Your batch autosaves in this browser. Nothing is uploaded.
A certificate serial number — often called a credential ID — is the unique identifier printed on a certificate that ties it to exactly one recipient and one achievement. It's what an employer quotes when they call to verify a qualification, what a recipient types into LinkedIn's "Credential ID" field, and what your own records use to find a certificate years later.
A good serial number is unique (no two certificates share one), stable (it never changes after issue), and readable (someone can dictate it over the phone without confusing an O for a 0). Most organizations add structure on top: a prefix for the program type, the issue year, and a running number — which is how you end up with formats like CPD-2026-0001.
If you issue certificates through CertFusion, you never manage these by hand: every certificate automatically gets a unique ~22-character credential ID (the [certificate.uuid] merge tag), a QR code, and a public verification page. This free tool is for everyone who issues certificates elsewhere — Word mail merges, Canva batches, printed cards — and still needs professional, guaranteed-unique numbers.
| Sequential (CPD-2026-0001) | Random (X7KM9Q2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Audit & record-keeping | Excellent — sort by number, spot gaps, count issues at a glance | Needs a lookup table to know what was issued |
| Guessability | Predictable — anyone holding 0042 can guess 0043 exists | Effectively unguessable at 7+ characters |
| Reveals volume | Yes — the number leaks how many you've issued | No |
| Reads professionally | Very — structured prefix + year signals a real program | Neutral — looks like a system-issued code |
| Best for | CPD/CME/CEU programs, courses, internal registries | Public verification codes, high-volume events |
Want both? Use sequential numbering with a random suffix (CPD-2026-0001-K7X): your records stay sortable and gap-free, but a certificate number can no longer be guessed from the one before it.
Start from a preset like CPD or CME, or build your own: prefix, year, separator, and sequential or random numbering. The live preview shows exactly what you'll get.
Generate up to 10,000 IDs in one batch. Continuing an existing registry? Set the start number to pick up where your last batch ended.
One click produces the whole batch — instantly, in your browser. Random IDs are cryptographically generated and collision-checked, so every ID in the batch is unique.
The CSV opens straight in Excel or Google Sheets with a ready blank "Recipient Name" column — paste your attendee list next to the IDs.
Use the sheet as the data source for your Word, Canva, or InDesign mail merge — and keep a copy as your issuance register for future verification requests.
Turn each credential ID into a one-click "Add to LinkedIn profile" link for your recipients.
Merge a recipient list onto a certificate PDF and print the whole batch — serial numbers included.
Create printable sign-in sheets — the recipient list your serial numbers get merged with.
A credential ID is the unique serial number assigned to one specific certificate. It links the physical or digital certificate to your issuance records, so anyone — an employer, a licensing board, the recipient — can verify that the certificate is genuine and belongs to that person.
The most common convention is PREFIX-YEAR-SEQUENCE, for example CPD-2026-0001: a short program prefix, the issue year, and a zero-padded running number. It sorts cleanly in spreadsheets, reads professionally, and makes the issue year obvious at a glance. Add a short random suffix if you don't want numbers to be guessable.
Choose a format above, set the quantity (up to 10,000), and click Generate. The whole batch is created instantly in your browser. Download it as a CSV, paste your recipient names into the blank column, and use the sheet as the data source for your mail merge.
On LinkedIn, go to Profile → Add profile section → Licenses & certifications. The form has a dedicated "Credential ID" field — that's where the serial number goes — plus a "Credential URL" field for a verification link. Our free LinkedIn Add-to-Profile URL Builder can pre-fill both for your recipients.
Sequential numbers (CPD-2026-0001, 0002, …) are best for internal registries: they sort naturally and make gaps obvious. Random IDs are better when the number doubles as a public verification code, because they can't be guessed and don't reveal how many certificates you've issued. A sequential number with a random suffix gives you both.
Yes, within a batch. Sequential numbers are unique by construction. Random IDs are produced with your browser's cryptographic random generator and checked against every other ID in the batch, with automatic re-rolls on collision. The tool also warns you if the format you chose is too short for the quantity you asked for.
Completely free — no sign-up, no limits. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is sent to any server. Your settings and your last generated batch autosave to your browser's local storage, so a refresh or accidental tab close won't lose them. "Start over" clears everything.
Yes. Every certificate issued through CertFusion automatically gets a unique credential ID, a QR code, and a hosted verification page — recipients and employers can verify it online without you keeping a spreadsheet at all.
Design your certificate once in CertFusion — every recipient automatically gets a unique, verifiable credential ID, a QR code, and a hosted verification page. Your registry maintains itself.
Auto-Issue Certificates with CertFusion