We Issued Certificates Without Exams — Here’s How and Why
We recently issued our first GoVenture Certificates to a class of students who learned using experiential business simulations.
I have always found it odd that so many certifications seem to be based on anxiety-inducing high-stakes exams that can be passed with good memorization. That doesn’t make sense to me.
When we designed our credentialing program, I wanted to do things differently, like this:
Based on demonstrated competencies, skills, and performance
Assessment that spans days and weeks, not a few hours
Assessment that is fair, consistent, and automated
Allows for multiple attempts to pass or improve
Not prone to AI cheating
Effort is rewarded
No “test prep”
Low stress
And I wanted it to be easy for instructors too:
The entire process should be integrated directly into the syllabus — no extra work required.
If a student has a sick day — no problem. Misses a full week? Still good.
No extra cost for anyone — it’s included in the price of GoVenture.
That’s exactly how it works. We introduced the program in August 2025 and students are now earning their credentials.
Students demonstrate their skills by working through realistic business scenarios inside GoVenture simulations. They make decisions, deal with consequences, adjust their strategies, and see how those choices affect results. What’s being assessed is how they think, solve problems, and perform over time.
Students are awarded certificates with unique IDs that employers and other stakeholders can validate with a quick online search. Certification is open to anyone who uses GoVenture programs in school, university, workplace, or personal learning contexts.
GoVenture Certificates are available in the following areas:
Entrepreneurship
Business Fundamentals
Accounting Fundamentals
Project Management
Leadership
Digital Marketing
Personal Finance
Job Readiness
Health & Wellness
Typing
We share all of our requirements and assessment criteria publicly — so if you want to take a deeper dive, you’re welcome.
Here’s an example of what is required to earn the Entrepreneurship Certificate.
About GoVenture games and simulations — GoVenture.net
GoVenture Certification program — GoVenture.net/certification
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I'm Mathew Georghiou and I write about how games are transforming education and learning. I also share my experience as an entrepreneur inventing products and designing educational resources used by millions around the world. More about me at Georghiou.com