Overview
This article explains why a learner can earn a certificate for a SCORM course while the course still shows as incomplete on their dashboard. It also shows you how to fix the course settings so this doesn't happen.
Why This Happens
SCORM courses send Continu two separate signals:
- Pass result — sent when the learner passes the course quiz. This awards the certificate and badge.
- Completion status — sent when the learner meets the course's completion requirement. This marks the course complete and clears it from the dashboard.
These two signals can fire at different times. The quiz often comes before the end of the course. If the completion requirement is a later step — like viewing the final slide or checking an acknowledgment box — a learner can pass the quiz, receive the certificate, and close the course before completion is recorded.
When that happens, the learner has a certificate but the course stays on their dashboard as incomplete.
Before You Begin
- You need Admin or Author access
- Know which authoring tool created the SCORM package (for example, 7taps, Articulate Storyline, or Rise)
- Have a test account or the ability to preview the course as a learner
How to Fix It
- Open the SCORM package settings in your authoring tool and check the completion requirement. Common options are quiz result, percentage of slides viewed, or reaching the final slide.
- Compare the completion requirement to the certificate trigger. The certificate is awarded on the quiz pass. If completion requires a step after the quiz, learners can exit in between.
- Choose one of these approaches:
- Align completion with the quiz — set the package to mark complete on the quiz result, so passing also completes the course.
- Keep a final acknowledgment step — if your course needs a final attestation (common for compliance training), add clear on-screen instructions telling learners to complete the final step before exiting. Example: "Before exiting the course, please check the box below to ensure your progress is marked as complete."
- Re-export the SCORM package and replace it in Continu. Go to the course, click Edit, and upload the new package.
- Test as a learner. Complete the course, close the window, and confirm it clears from the dashboard.
How to Find Affected Learners
If some learners already have certificates without completions:
- Go to Analytics and run a Content Completion Report for the course.
- Compare it against the certificate list for the same course.
- Learners who appear on the certificate list but show as incomplete simply exited before the final step. Ask them to reopen the course, proceed to the final slide, and complete the last step. The course will then mark complete.
Common Issues & Solutions
- If the course resumes on the final slide but still won't complete: The completion signal may not fire on a resumed session. Ask the learner to click through the final step again and exit using the course's own navigation rather than closing the browser tab.
- If the certificate appears before the last screen of the course: This is expected when the quiz comes before the final slide. The certificate is tied to the quiz pass, not to completion. Both records are accurate.
- If completions record for some learners but not others: The affected learners likely exited right after the quiz. Follow the steps above to find and guide them.
FAQ
Is the certificate proof of completion?
Not on its own. The certificate confirms the learner passed the course quiz. Completion reporting is based on the completion status. For compliance tracking, always use the Content Completion Report.
Can Continu change the order so the certificate comes last?
The certificate is awarded when the course reports a pass. To change the timing, adjust the course itself — for example, move the graded question to the end of the course.
Does this affect courses inside Learning Tracks or Journeys?
Yes. A SCORM course that hasn't sent its completion status will hold up progress in any Learning Track or Journey that contains it.
Need More Help?
If you can't find what you're looking for, contact our support team at support@continu.com or check our help center.