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.
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).
For courses or programs that do not lead to a formal degree, such as vocational training or short-term courses.
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.
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.
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.
Often used interchangeably with 学位記, but can refer to a graduation diploma in a broader sense, not always specifying the degree.
My graduation diploma is a lifelong treasure.
Please submit the certificate of completion for the training.