SIWES Certificate: What It Is, How to Get It and the Certification Page in Your Report
People mean three different things by SIWES certificate. Here is what each one is, who signs it, and a sample certification page.
People use the word "certificate" for several different documents, and that causes problems at submission time. Here's what each one is, so you know what to collect and what to write.
Rules differ between schools and companies, so use this to understand the documents and then confirm with your SIWES coordinator what your school expects.
The three things students call a SIWES certificate
1. The certification page in your report
This is the page near the front of your technical report that says you completed the training, with space for signatures. You write this page. Your supervisors sign it.
2. A completion letter or certificate from the company
Many companies issue a letter or certificate saying you completed your training with them, including your dates. Companies do this in different ways, and some do not issue a certificate at all. Ask your supervisor early and ask what the process is.
3. Your school record of SIWES completion
Your institution records your SIWES result and completion. Whether and how you receive any document for this depends on your school and ITF, so ask your SIWES unit.
Sample certification page (for your report)
Use this as a style guide and change the details.
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that [Full Name], with matriculation number [Matric Number], of the Department of [Department], [University or Polytechnic], has completed his/her [six] months (24 weeks) Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at [Company Name], [Company Address], from [start date] to [end date].
This report was prepared by the student based on his/her training experience.
Industry-Based Supervisor: ______________________ Signature / Date ____________
Institution-Based Supervisor: ______________________ Signature / Date ____________
SIWES Coordinator: ______________________ Signature / Date ____________
Head of Department: ______________________ Signature / Date ____________
Change the signature lines to match your school's guideline. Some schools use fewer signatures, and some ask for stamps. See how to write the SIWES certification page for more.
How to get signatures and a completion document
- Ask your supervisor early. In your second-to-last week, tell your industry-based supervisor what you need and when.
- Bring the documents with you. Carry the certification page, your logbook and any forms your school gave you.
- Be polite and patient. Supervisors are busy. Follow up in person.
- Ask for a stamp if your school requires the company stamp.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Related: SIWES assessment forms explained.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the certification page blank. An unsigned page looks incomplete.
- Wrong dates or duration. Match your logbook and placement letter.
- Wrong names or matric number. Check against your school ID.
- Waiting until the last week for signatures.
- Forging a signature. This can get you in serious trouble.
Drafting the whole report
The MonoEd SIWES Report Generator includes a certification page with signature lines in the report it drafts. You can switch pages on or off to match your school's guideline, then edit the Word file and print it for signatures. The early pages are free to preview.
Keep your logbook up to date with the MonoEd SIWES Logbook so your dates and tasks are ready when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a SIWES certificate?
The term is used loosely. It can mean the certification page in your report, a completion letter from your company, or your school's record of SIWES completion.
Does every company give one?
No. Some give a letter or certificate and some don't. Ask your supervisor early.
Who signs the certification page?
Usually your industry-based supervisor, your institution-based supervisor, the SIWES coordinator and the head of department. Follow your school's guideline.
Can I write the certification page myself?
Yes. You write the wording and the supervisors sign. Never sign for them.
What should it include?
Your name, matric number, department, school, company, training period and the signature lines.
What if my supervisor won't sign?
Speak to your SIWES coordinator or school supervisor early. Don't forge a signature.
About the Author
Mohammad-Jamiu B. Balogun, GMNSE
AI Security Researcher · Founder, MonoEd Africa
Mohammad-Jamiu is a First-Class Telecommunications Engineer and Best Graduating Student, BUK '24, and an AI security researcher. He founded MonoEd Africa to give Nigerian students AI-powered academic tools — from SIWES logbooks to final year projects. His work has reached over 10,000 students across Nigeria.
