> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://atrilio.gitbook.io/atrilio-users-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://atrilio.gitbook.io/atrilio-users-guide/certificates/start-date-and-finish-date-in-certificates.md).

# Start date and finish date in certificates

## By default...

when a student finishes a course, the certificate will show the following dates:

* start date: the day the student first logged into the course.
* end date: the day the student finished the last course's class or test.

## But...

the course manager can define alternative start and finish dates to show up on the certificate. 

## How?

* Open the course editor and the specific course for which the certificate is being configured.
* Scroll down to **course settings** and click on the "**Configure certificate for students**" toggle.
* Fill in the Start date and End date boxes.

Those dates will appear on the certificate, regardless of when the student first logged into or finished the course. 

Remember: changes made to this course setting will only affect new certificates.