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Short answer: Choose free CertiQR if you issue certificates one at a time from your own templates and need QR verification, expiry, withdrawal, emails and backups. Choose CertiQR Pro if you also need QR codes on existing documents, CSV import and batches, verification by upload, downloads, renewal reminders, whitelabel branding or support.
Everything you issue with the free plugin stays yours, unlimited and verifiable, forever. Meanwhile, CertiQR Pro adds the tools organisations need at volume. Here is CertiQR free vs Pro side by side.
Key takeaways
- Free: unlimited credentials, templates, QR verification, expiry, emails, backups.
- Pro adds: your own documents, bulk work, upload verification, downloads, reminders, branding.
- Every paid plan includes every Pro feature; plans differ only by number of sites.
- Upgrading keeps all your records – Pro builds on the free plugin.
What is in each edition?
The free plugin includes: unlimited credentials, categories and templates; QR codes, short verify links and the four-check verification page; expiry, withdrawal, reinstatement and history; and issue emails with a PDF, CSV export and backups.
CertiQR Pro also adds: QR codes on your own documents and multi-page PDFs; CSV import, batches and bulk upload; verification by upload, a surname check and a verification log; holder downloads and copy protection; renewal reminders and per-category emails; and finally whitelabel branding, reports and support.
Who should use the free plugin?
Small organisations, individual trainers and anyone starting out. That is because the free plugin covers the core job. So if you issue certificates one at a time from a template and want them verifiable, the free plugin does it with no limits.
Who needs CertiQR Pro?
In short, CertiQR Pro suits training providers issuing whole cohorts, awarding bodies with existing documents, inspection firms with multi-page reports, and agencies building credential portals for clients. See pricing for plans by number of sites.
How does upgrading to CertiQR Pro work?
- Keep the free CertiQR plugin installed and active.
- Then upload CertiQR Pro and activate it.
- Finally, paste your key under CertiQR → Licence. Every record you already issued stays exactly as it was.
CertiQR Pro by type of organisation
| Organisation | Free plugin | CertiQR Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Individual trainer | Usually enough | Optional |
| Training provider | Good start | Recommended, because cohorts are faster |
| Awarding body | Limited | Recommended, since documents already exist |
| Inspection firm | Limited | Recommended, because reports have many pages |
| Agency | For small clients | Recommended, so clients get portals |
What a CertiQR Pro licence includes
- Every Pro feature on the licensed number of sites.
- Plugin updates delivered through the WordPress dashboard.
- Email support from the team that builds CertiQR.
- A 7-day free trial before you buy.
In addition, every plan includes every feature, so you only choose how many sites you need. As a result, a training provider and an agency get exactly the same tools.
In short, start with the free plugin and upgrade only when you need volume tools. Also, the trial lets you test every CertiQR Pro feature first. Therefore, there is very little risk in trying it.
In addition, the WordPress.org plugin directory is a useful, independent reference if you want to read further.
Frequently asked questions
QIs the free version time-limited?
No. In fact, it issues and verifies unlimited credentials with no time limit.
QCan I try Pro before buying?
Yes. A 7-day trial key unlocks every Pro feature on one website, no card required.
QWhat happens if my licence lapses?
Your records and verification keep working. However, updates and support stop until you renew.
Ready to try it?
Try every CertiQR Pro feature free for 7 days on your own website.
Can I use CertiQR Pro on a staging site?
Yes. Staging copies do not use up a site on your licence.
Can I upgrade from one site to more later?
Yes. Contact us and we will move you to a larger plan.
We build CertiQR, the WordPress plugin for issuing certificates and verifying them with a QR code. We write about credentials, verification and running a certificate programme.
