---
title: "We Issued Certificates Without Exams — Here’s How and Why"
url: "https://books.playgoventure.com/3/newsletter/278/we-issued-certificates-without-exams-here-s-how-and-why"
---
# 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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Join our **online community** where educators and trainers share ideas, resources, and discussions on experiential learning, games, and simulations — TeachingSuperhero.com
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