Translation guide
A testamur is an official document certifying that a person has completed a degree or course of study. In Japanese contexts, the most common equivalent is a graduation certificate (卒業証明書), but the specific term used depends on the institution and the level of education.
The most common and widely understood term for a document proving graduation from a school or university.
Standard term for a certificate of graduation. Used for high school, university, and other educational institutions.
大学の卒業証明書を発行してもらいました。
I had my university graduation certificate issued.
Specifically refers to a certificate that proves the conferral of an academic degree (bachelor's, master's, doctorate).
The formal document awarded upon completion of a degree program, often presented at graduation ceremonies. Equivalent to a diploma or degree certificate.
卒業式で学位記を受け取りました。
I received my degree certificate at the graduation ceremony.
Often used interchangeably with 学位記, but can refer to a graduation diploma in a broader sense, not always specifying the degree.
卒業証書は一生の宝物です。
My graduation diploma is a lifelong treasure.
For courses or programs that do not lead to a formal degree, such as vocational training or short-term courses.
Used for certificates of completion for courses, training programs, or non-degree educational programs.
日本語学校の修了証書をもらいました。
I received a certificate of completion from the Japanese language school.
Similar to 修了証書, but often used in more administrative contexts. Both are acceptable.
研修の修了証明書を提出してください。
Please submit the certificate of completion for the training.
Sometimes a testamur is confused with an academic transcript, which lists courses and grades. This is a separate but related document.
An official transcript of academic records, showing courses taken and grades received. Not a testamur itself, but often requested alongside it.
卒業証明書と一緒に成績証明書も取り寄せました。
I ordered my academic transcript along with my graduation certificate.
卒業証明書 is a general graduation certificate. 学位記 specifically certifies the conferral of a degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts). 修了証書 is for completion of a course or program that does not award a degree. Use the term that matches the type of qualification.
大学院の博士課程を修了したので、学位記と修了証書の両方をもらいました。
Since I completed the doctoral program, I received both a degree certificate and a certificate of completion.
When requesting a testamur from a Japanese university, it's common to ask for a 卒業証明書 or 学位記. Specify which one you need. Many universities have online request systems or forms you can download.