Certificate of Honor is an official recognition awarded to students who demonstrate exemplary behavior at school, combining academic achievement with strong character and discipline.
According to the regulations set by the Ministry of National Education, this certificate is awarded not only for course success but also based on criteria such as moral conduct, participation in social activities, and contribution to school culture.
The certificate is granted based on both the grade point average and the decision of the teachers’ board.
What Is the Certificate of Honor?
The Certificate of Honor is an award that recognizes a student who stands out at school not only for grades but also for qualities like exemplary behavior, respect, honesty, and helpfulness.
This certificate is issued under the Ministry of National Education Secondary Education Institutions Regulation.
| Document Name | Certificate of Honor |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Ministry of National Education (MEB) |
| Issued | At the end of each academic year |
| Recipients | Students who are exemplary academically and socially |
| Document Type | Honor / Certificate of Honor |
| Use | Resume, high school transitions, university applications |
Note: Students who receive the Certificate of Honor hold a privileged position in the school’s achievement ranking.
Difference Between the Certificate of Honor and the Honor Certificate
The Honor Certificate and the Certificate of Honor may seem similar but are assessed by different criteria.
The Certificate of Honor is awarded to the highest-achieving and most exemplary students among those who receive the Honor Certificate.
| Criteria | Honor Certificate | Certificate of Honor |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Grade average of 70 or above | Honor Certificate + outstanding behavior |
| Who Recommends | Class guidance teacher’s recommendation | Teachers’ Board decision |
| Number | Can be more than one per class | Only 1 student per class |
| Moral Behavior | Considered in the evaluation | Primary criterion |
| Prestige | High | Highest school honor |
Requirements to Receive the Certificate of Honor (2026)
According to the new MEB directive effective in 2026, a student must meet the following conditions to be eligible for the Certificate of Honor:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade Average | At least 85 points |
| Behavior Score | Full score (100) |
| Disciplinary Record | No disciplinary penalties |
| Participation in School Activities | Active role in at least 2 social events |
| Teachers’ Board Approval | Approved by majority vote |
| Social Responsibility | Contributions such as in-school volunteering, environmental projects, etc. |
Tip: Students aiming for the Certificate of Honor should volunteer in school activities and maintain good communication with their teachers.
Who Receives the Certificate of Honor?
This certificate is typically awarded to the school’s most exemplary students.
Both academic achievement and character development are taken into account.
Main Criteria:
- End-of-term grade average of 85 or above
- Students with no disciplinary sanctions
- Those who maintain respectful relationships with teachers, administrators, and peers
- Students who contribute to social responsibility projects
- School representatives, club leaders, or students with active volunteer roles
How Is the Certificate of Honor Awarded?
The Certificate of Honor is not awarded automatically; it is granted by the decision of the teachers’ board.
At the end of each term, the board evaluates students’ grades and behavior to select the recipient.
| Stage | Description | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | End-of-term success evaluation | Guidance counselor |
| 2 | Disciplinary record check | Vice principal |
| 3 | Social activity scoring | Club advisors |
| 4 | Board voting | All teachers |
| 5 | Document preparation and delivery | School principal |
Info: As of 2026, this process is managed digitally through the e-Okul MEBBİS system.
Checking the Certificate of Honor via E-Okul (2026)
The e-Okul system is the platform where students can view their achievement documents digitally.
Students who earn the Certificate of Honor can view their certificates through the e-Okul Parent Information System.
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to e-Okul | Visit your school’s e-Okul portal |
| 2 | Click the “Awards and Disciplinary Information” tab | 2 min |
| 3 | Select the document type (Certificate of Honor) | 1 min |
| 4 | Download or print as PDF | Instant |
Benefit: Certificates can now also be viewed via government digital services.
Regulatory Updates for 2026
In 2026, the Ministry updated the criteria for awarding the Certificate of Honor:
| Old Practice | New Practice (2026) |
|---|---|
| Only grade average was considered | Behavior score is now included |
| Only class teacher would recommend | Teachers’ Board makes a joint decision |
| Paper certificates were issued | Digital certificates via e-Okul |
| Valid for one term | Now valid for the entire school year |
Benefits of the Certificate of Honor
- Officially added to the student’s achievement file.
- Can serve as a reference in university applications.
- Provides additional motivation and prestige to the student.
- Sets an example for social responsibility and character development.
- Accepted as a reference for international high school or exchange program applications.
| Type of Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic | Added to the achievement file |
| Social | Grants status within the school |
| Personal | Increases self-confidence |
| Institutional | Valid for university and scholarship applications |
Differences by Primary, Middle and High School Levels
| Education Level | Issuing Period | Evaluation Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Primary School | 4th grade and above | Behavior-focused |
| Middle School | 5th–8th grades | Grades + social contribution |
| High School | 9th–12th grades | Academic success + exemplary behavior |
Note: In primary school, teacher observation is more influential; in middle and high school, the discipline score plays a greater role.
Sample Certificate of Honor (2026 Format)
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Document Title | Republic of Turkey MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION – CERTIFICATE OF HONOR |
| Student Name | Ayşe Yılmaz |
| School | Ankara Science High School |
| Document Date | June 2026 |
| Description | For outstanding achievement and exemplary behavior during the 2025–2026 academic year, this certificate is awarded. |
| Authorized | School Principal – Mehmet Karaca |
Additional Awards Given to Certificate Recipients
In some schools, recipients receive additional rewards such as books, plaques, or certificates.
| Type of Award | Description |
|---|---|
| Book Gift | Determined by school administration |
| Plaque | Presented at the graduation ceremony |
| Extra Points | Considered in internal school projects |
| Certificate | Added to the official file |
| Scholarship | May be provided by private organizations |
How Many Times Can the Certificate of Honor Be Awarded?
A student can receive the Certificate of Honor only once per academic year.
However, it is possible to receive the certificate in consecutive years.
| Year | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Same year | Once |
| Different years | Can be received each year |
| Within the same class | Only one student is selected |
Teachers’ Board Evaluation Process
The teachers’ board meets at the end of each term to evaluate students nominated for the Certificate of Honor.
| Evaluation Criterion | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Academic achievement | 30 |
| Behavior score | 30 |
| Social contribution | 20 |
| Sense of responsibility | 10 |
| Representation ability | 10 |
The student with the highest total score earns the Certificate of Honor.
Digital Document Era in 2026
As of 2026, the Ministry of National Education has transferred all achievement documents to digital format.
The Certificate of Honor can now be downloaded as an electronically signed document via e-Okul and government digital services.
Advantages:
- Documents cannot be lost.
- Can be uploaded directly in university applications.
- Can be verified with an electronic signature.
The question of what the Certificate of Honor is, who receives it, and how to obtain it in 2026 is answered by a system that values not only grades but also human values and exemplary behavior.
This certificate is strong evidence that a student has developed both academically and morally.
Digitalization has made access to the certificate easier and increased transparency in the process.
As of 2026, the Certificate of Honor remains an important source of prestige for students in both their education and the start of their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for the Certificate of Honor?
Students with high academic achievement who are disciplined and demonstrate exemplary behavior.
2. What grade average is required to receive the Certificate of Honor?
An average of at least 85 points is required.
3. How many times can the Certificate of Honor be received?
It can be received once in an academic year and may be received again in different years.
4. How can the Certificate of Honor be viewed on e-Okul?
It can be downloaded as a PDF from the e-Okul “Awards Information” tab by selecting the document type.
5. Is the Certificate of Honor valid for university applications?
Yes, it is accepted as an official character reference, especially for international applications.