Systems and methods for generating and validating certified electronic credentials are disclosed. A publisher may receive a certified electronic credential order from a credentialer and prepare a plurality of certified electronic credentials. The publisher may associate each credential with authentication information and a credential record, and retain a database of associated authentication information and credential records. The publisher may provide validation services, receiving a validation request through a credentialer's validation portal, and provide a response through the credentialer's portal indicative of the validity, additional information about the credential and/or the credential holder. The credential holder may assign a personal access key to control or limit the validation of a credential. A validating entity may receive credential validation through the credentialer with a heightened degree of confidence in the validation and lack of forgery.