Certificate Verification User Manual

1. Overview

This manual explains how to use the Elimu Portal front office for certificate verification services.
It covers the process from login to application submission and final approval status.

2. Accessing the system

- Open the application in a browser.
- The public landing page is the starting point.
- Use the app navigation or sign-in controls to log in.
- If you are not authenticated and attempt to open a protected page, the system redirects you to the home page and displays a message: "Please sign in to access that page.".

3. Logging in

- Enter your login credentials on the login page.
- The app uses authentication to protect certificate verification routes.
- After successful login, you can access protected pages under the secure area.

4. Opening Certificate Verification

- Navigate to the certificate verification service from the protected area sidebar or by visiting:
  /certificate-verifications
- If you are signed in, the site loads the certificate verification workflow.
- If not authenticated, you will see an authentication required message.

5. Starting a new certificate verification request

- Click the button or link to start a new certificate verification.
- The workflow follows a multi-step form:
  1. Personal Details
  2. Academic Details & Certificate Upload
  3. Declaration and Submission

6. Step 1: Enter Personal Details

- Provide your basic information in the Personal Details step:
  - Full name
  - National ID or passport number
  - Date of birth
  - Phone number
  - Email address
  - Postal address
- Complete all required fields before moving to the next step.

7. Step 2: Academic Details and Certificate Upload

- In the Academic Details step, add your education qualifications and upload supporting certificates.
- Typical details include:
  - Qualification level
  - Qualification type
  - Marks or grades
  - Index number
  - Examination year
  - Certificate attachment or upload path
- Upload each certificate file as required by the form.
- The system stores academic qualification details and attached certificates with the application.

8. Step 3: Declaration and Submission

- Review the information you entered.
- Confirm that your details are correct.
- Agree to the declaration and submit the request.
- Once submitted, your application is sent for verification.

9. Viewing the application dashboard

- After submission, the app redirects to the certificate verification dashboard:
  /certificate-verifications/dashboard
- The dashboard shows your applications, including:
  - Request date
  - Certificate type
  - Purpose
  - Current status
  - Reference number
- The dashboard may also show a request summary and filters for status categories.

10. Application status categories

The portal tracks certificate verification requests in stages and status states.
Common states include:
- In Progress: application is being completed or waiting to be submitted.
- Submitted: request has been sent for verification.
- Approved / Attended: request has been processed and approved.
- Rejected / Blocked: request was denied or blocked.
- Partial Approval: some certificates are approved while others may require correction.

11. Continuing or editing an existing application

- If your application is not complete, you can continue it from the dashboard.
- Click "Continue" or view details for a saved application.
- The application may reopen at the correct step based on its current stage.
- You can also resume an application directly by opening a URL like:
  /certificate-verifications?applicationId=<id>&stage=<stage>

12. Viewing details and results

- The dashboard allows you to open the application details dialog.
- You can see the full application data, uploaded certificates, and verification notes.
- If a verification request is rejected, the system may display a rejection reason dialog.
- Approved applications include a completed status and may allow you to download or preview approval details.

13. Final approval

- When the certificate verification is approved, the application status changes to Approved or Attended.
- The dashboard will show the approved request with the correct status label.
- Approval may also include a reference number and secure token for record keeping.

14. Troubleshooting and session issues

- If your session expires, you may see authentication errors or be asked to login again.
- Use the logout/login flow to refresh your session.
- If the system cannot load application data, try refreshing the dashboard or logging out and back in.
- Contact support if your application status does not update after a reasonable time.

15. Notes

- All certificate verification routes are protected and require an authenticated session.
- The request workflow is designed as a step-by-step form to guide users through personal details, academic details, and declaration.
- The dashboard is the primary place to monitor progress and review application results.