Format the new document so that it is "landscape," rather than "portrait." Align your text so that it is centered. Adjust your line spacing to 1.5.
Choose a font that appeals to you. Something a little fancy will make your certificate look attractive. Enlarge the font to 30 to 40 point so that the headline will stand out.
Type out your headline. This might be, "Certificate of Achievement," "Diploma of Graduation" or "Certificate of Grade Completion." Skip to the next line.
Reduce your font to 12 point. Write your next line, such as "Upon receipt of this certificate, it is hereby declared that," or "This diploma is presented to." Skip a line.
Type the child's name in slightly larger font. Skip a line, reducing the font again. Write what the certificate is for. For example, "for completing coursework and satisfying all requirements for the fourth grade," or "in recognition of outstanding achievement in science and mathematics." Skip a line.
Write the date, such as "Awarded on the 30th day of May, 2010, by." Skip two lines. Make an underscore long enough for you, or the homeschooling parent or teacher, to write his name. If both parents wish to sign it, or if the child has an additional teacher or tutor who will be signing it, skip two more lines and make another underscore line for the second signature.
If your word processing program offers it, you can search for a fancy border to put around the edges of your certificate. If you prefer, you can buy certificate paper for printing that already has a fancy border on it at most office supply stores. Choose a nice, heavyweight paper to print out the certificate.
Save the document and print it.