Officially: My Results platform is an alternative to paper certificates in Saudi Arabia
In a significant step that strengthens the digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in line with the goals of Vision 2030 aimed at automating government services and improving performance efficiency, the Ministry of Education has definitively ended the era of paper-based transactions in issuing academic certificates. The Ministry launched the comprehensive "Digital Document" phase in its new examination guide for the year 1447 AH (2025 CE), adopting the "My Results" platform and other approved platforms as the sole official channels for issuing certificates electronically.
The end of the era of hand-stamped seals
Under the new regulations, the ministry has completely eliminated the need for physical seals and manual authentications, which previously required significant time and effort from beneficiaries, replacing them with advanced digital authentication systems. This transition allows all students and graduates to obtain their general education certificates electronically and instantly, ending decades of waiting lists and the hassle of visiting education departments and schools to obtain certified copies.
The context of digital transformation and its importance
This decision is not merely an administrative procedure, but rather part of a broader context for developing the digital infrastructure of the education sector in the Kingdom. The Kingdom has made significant strides in global e-government indicators, and the adoption of digital certificates complements previous successes such as the "My School" platform. This transformation aims to facilitate the lives of citizens and residents, reduce operational costs, and protect the environment by minimizing paper consumption.
The term "replacement for lost document" will be abolished; original document will always be required
One of the most significant changes introduced by the new regulations is the elimination of the terms "replacement for lost" or "replacement for damaged" from newly issued certificates. The new issue date is now sufficient to grant the document its official status as a certified original. This step aims to alleviate the social and psychological embarrassment for students and their parents, providing them with modern documents that do not bear any discriminatory indications suggesting the loss of the previous version, thus enhancing the document's value and official standing.
Security and reliability via QR code
To ensure the highest security standards, the Ministry has implemented an advanced technological protection system that replaces traditional seals with a QR code printed on each certificate. This technology enables government agencies, universities, and employers in both the public and private sectors to verify the authenticity and reliability of data instantly. This digital system completely eliminates any attempts at forgery or grade manipulation, as the code provides direct access to the Ministry's central system to match the data on the document with official records stored in the cloud.
Precise mechanisms for data correction and identity standardization
Regarding data accuracy, the instructions established a clear mechanism to distinguish between current students and graduates. Schools were tasked with updating their current student data to ensure a swift process. Meanwhile, the Ministry launched an online channel through the "My Results" portal for graduates and those who had dropped out to submit requests to amend names or civil records, with the added feature of instant automatic updates to all previous academic records.
The ministry concluded its regulations by prohibiting the printing of students’ personal photos on academic certificates, and preventing private and public schools from adding any advertising or commercial logos, in order to unify the visual identity of government documents and ensure the privacy of beneficiaries’ personal data.
