Canvas Certified Power User FAQs
This course is for anyone who will be using Canvas to create and deliver content. We will start with an introduction to your Canvas profile and Dashboard, and then move into all of the pieces of Canvas that make up a course space. Throughout this course, we will guide you through the completion of your Canvas Certified Power User Checklist. At the end of this 12-week course, you will be ready to begin using Canvas to design your own courses and content.
What will I learn?
How is the course structured?
Upcoming Start Dates
What is the time commitment?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
May 12, 2026
Who should enroll in this program?
June 23, 2026
What have participants said about it?
How can I enroll?
August 4, 2026
Frequently Asked about CCPU: What will I learn?
Canvas Certified Power User (CCPU) is a one-course certification. Participants will progress through 9 weeks of content, with a 3-week period at the end to complete their final project. Click on the sections below to learn more!
Weeks 1-4
Weeks 5-8
Weeks 9-12
9 - Wrapping Up
5 - Discussions
1 - Welcome to Canvas
10 & 11 - Final Project
2 - Modules
6 - Quizzes
12 - Course End
7 - Grading and Feedback
3 - Pages
4 - Assignments
8 - Setup and Sharing
What is the time committment?
How are courses structured?
What have folks said about it?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: How is the course structured?
We have designed our Canvas Certified Power User course to be user-friendly, full of resources, and including the most up-to-date features of Canvas. Read more about what to expect below!
- Canvas Certified Power User is asynchronous with due dates.
- The course is facilitated by an Instructure employee who has also been through the program
- The course runs for 12 weeks. There are 9 weeks of content. The 3 weeks built in at the end of the course are for final project completion and flexibility
- All of the Modules follow what we call our PANDA methodology, which we'll introduce you to in the program
- Weekly Modules include interactive Pages, reflective Discussion questions, and application Assignments
How are courses structured?
When do the courses start?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: What is the time commitment?
The Canvas Certified Power User program is designed to be completed in 12 weeks.
- There are 9 weeks of content
- The additional 3 weeks is for course and final project completion
- Most participants spend about 1-2 hours per week during the 9 weeks of the content in the program
- Although there are due dates, they are flexible. They are meant to serve as guideposts throughout the course
- We understand that life happens, and our facilitators are available for questions and concerns
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
What is the time commitment?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: How is this program different?
Participants engage in project-based work that they can put to use in their learning environments right away. Click on the items below to learn more about what makes us different!
Project-based, not seat time (or tests)
Cohort-based community of learners
Includes newest Canvas features
Extends learning with 'Bamboo Boost'
Engaging facilitators
Badges and Micro-credentials
How is this program different?
How are courses structured?
When do the courses start?
What have folks said about it?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: Who should enroll in this program?
Designed for those who will be using Canvas to create and deliver content, CCPU is great for a variety of Canvas users.
Canvas Certified Power User is great for those who are...
New to Canvas
CCPU will give those who are brand new to Canvas everything they need to start using Canvas confidently
Looking for a refresh
CCPU will give those who might have used Canvas previously a good restart, with fresh ideas of how to use Canvas
Wanting to know the latest updates
CCPU will give those who are experienced Canvas users all of the in-depth knowledge they need when it comes to the understanding and using the newest Canvas features
Who should enroll?
What is the time committment?
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
When do the courses start?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: Who should enroll in this program?
Designed for those who will be using Canvas to create and deliver content, CCPU is great for a variety of Canvas users.
Canvas Certified Power User is great for those who are...
New to Canvas
CCPU will give those who are brand new to Canvas everything they need to start using Canvas confidently
Looking for a refresh
CCPU will give those who might have used Canvas previously a good restart, with fresh ideas of how to use Canvas
Wanting to know the latest updates
CCPU will give those who are experienced Canvas users all of the in-depth knowledge they need when it comes to the understanding and using the newest Canvas features
Who should enroll?
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What have folks said about it?
What is the time committment?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: When do the courses start?
Click the Upcoming Cohorts button below to see Cohort start dates and projected finish dates!
Upcoming Cohorts
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What have folks said about it?
What is the time committment?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: What have participants said about it?
The quotes below are from CCPU participants from the program. Check out what they had to say!
I have been using Canvas as an instructional designer for at least 10 years. I am also an adjunct instructor. This was an excellent course. I was reminded of features I had forgotten about or don't use often. I learned about new features. I was able to experience Canvas from the student perspective and try out somefeatures that we have not yet implemented at my institution. I also enjoyed learning how other Canvas customers are using various features. I think this is a great introduction to Canvas for newer users but also a great training for experienced users.
I believe this is a training that every new Canvas user should take. It is comprehensive, easy to understand, and provides real ways for instructors to implement what they are learning.
I learned a lot about how to organized a course that MAKES SENSE to students. I've mostly learned to streamline modules and use pages effedtively. I think mystudents will benefit greatly by having a course that is user freindly and easy to follow. I learned by example what having set expectations and consisting formatting means from a student perspetive.
This course has strengthened my foundational knowledge, provided practical strategies for immediate use, and highlighted advanced tools that I can explore and implement over time. I now feel better equipped to support teachers, students, and parents in creating engaging, organized, and effective Canvas courses.
How are courses structured?
What have folks said about it?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: How can I enroll?
Canvas Certified Power User - Invoice
- Convenience of paying on an invoice
- Can purchase any number of programs
- Discounts available for bulk purchases
- For info, contact us at cce@instructure.com or click here to have us contact you!
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
Who should enroll?
How can I enroll?
consistent and engaging
PANDA Methodology
We have developed a course creation methodology for our certified programs that is build on sound learning and instructional design principles. The PANDA Methodology is used in Canvas Certified User, as well as in Canvas Certified Educator. You will be introduced to this in the course!
anytime, anywhere
Asynchronous with due dates
Canvas Certified User is a fully asynchronous course, which means there are no live sessions, allowing participants to do the work anytime, anywhere. There are due dates that are there to serve as guideposts throughout the 12 weeks.
Week 9: Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Topics covered in this week include:
- Some Other Considerations and Tips
- Additional Canvas Tools and Potential LTIs
- Getting Additional Canvas Support
Week 5: Discussions
Topics covered in this week include:
- Creating Discussions
- Discussion Considerations
- More Discussion Options - Peer Review
Micro-credentials
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will earn a micro-credential through Canvas Credentials. This micro-credential gives the graduates of the course the designation of Canvas Certified Power User.
Week 3: Pages
Topics covered in this week include:
- What’s a Page and Why You Should Use Them
- The Rich Content Editor and Files
- Example Pages
The best of canvas
Showcasing Canvas Course Components
Participants in the Canvas Certified User course will see all of the pieces of Canvas courses in full use in the course, including Pages, Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes.
We'll call out the newest updates to Canvas with our Fresh Features boxes throughout the course.
All of the Newest Updates
We'll also highlight Instructure products as well as other partner products that we are using in the course.
Exciting Extras
&
FLEXibility is key
Weekly content
There are 9 weeks of content in the course. Each week has an Assignment and a Discussion with a due date. The due dates throughout the course are suggestions. The final 3 weeks allow for catchup if needed, and completion of the final project. The final project must be submitted by the final day of the course.
Week 12 - Course End
No new work is assigned during this week. We use the additional weeks in this course to allow for flexibiity in the time of the course, if participants fall behind on the weekly due dates. Participants must submit their final project by the end of this week. No course submissions will be accepted beyond the 12 weeks of this course. Once a participant has successfully completed the course, they will receive their micro-credential and a certificate of completion.
Week 1: Welcome to Canvas
Topics covered in this week include:
- Your Canvas Account
- Meet the Canvas Dashboard
- Global Navigation, Calendar, and Communication
Week 6: Quizzes
Topics covered in this week include:
- Creating a Quiz
- Quiz Question Types
- More Quiz Options
No Seat Time or Tests
Upmost in our minds when creating the program was - how will participants be able to apply this content? The application in our participants' learning environments is key -- all of the assessment pieces in Canvas Certified Power User ask participants to create something they will use in Canvas. There is no seat-time requirement, and there are no tests. Participants in Canvas Certified Power User will work throughout the course to complete their Canvas Certified Power User Checklist - a step-by-step, comprehensive accounting of all of the aspects of course creation, and the participant's notes, plan, and evidence of their learning.
Community of Learners
We value and leverage the relationships made among the peers as they progress through the course. The Discussions in the course are an integral part of the learning, and provide participants the opportunity to see how others are applying their knowledge about Canvas, as well as giving them the opportunity to ask questions and learn from one another.
Extending the learning
Bamboo Boost
Throughout the course we will highlight additional areas or uses of Canvas that can give your course creation a boost. Sometimes we will highlight a feature. Other times we will highlight a specific idea of how you can use one of the core components of Canvas.
Week 7: Grading & Feedback
Topics covered in this week include:
- The Canvas Gradebook
- SpeedGrader
- Rubrics
Week 8: Course Set Up & Sharing
Topics covered in this week include:
- Publishing in Canvas
- Creating a Home Page
- Sharing and Copying Options
Experts to help guide you
Facilitated Courses
All of our courses have a facilitator who has been through the program. They are long-time Canvas users, and they are here to help you! They will also be communicating with the course participants through Conversations and Announcements, and will be giving feedback on all work submitted in the course.
Weeks 10 & 11: Final Project Work Time
No new work is assigned during this week. We use the additional weeks in this course to allow for flexibiity in the time of the course, if participants fall behind on the weekly due dates.Participants can use this time to complete activities in the course and prepare their final project submission.The course facilitator is active during this time, and available for questions and feedback.
Week 2: Modules
Topics covered in this week include:
- Why Modules?
- Module Creation
- Module Considerations
Facilitated Courses
A critical piece of the courses is the facilitator for communication, engagement, and feedback. All of the CCPU facilitators are educators and Instructure employees who have been through the CCPU program. They represent educators in K12 and HE from all over the United States.
Micro-credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn the Canvas Certified Power User micro-credntial. We issue this through Canvas Credentials. Each participant who successfully completes the program will receive both a digital badge as evidence, as well as a certificate that indicates they are a Canvas Certified Power User.
Week 4: Assignments
Topics covered in this week include:
- Creating Assignments
- Assignment Considerations
- More Assignment Options - Groups and Peer Review
CCPU FAQ
Canvas Certified Programs
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Transcript
Canvas Certified Power User FAQs
This course is for anyone who will be using Canvas to create and deliver content. We will start with an introduction to your Canvas profile and Dashboard, and then move into all of the pieces of Canvas that make up a course space. Throughout this course, we will guide you through the completion of your Canvas Certified Power User Checklist. At the end of this 12-week course, you will be ready to begin using Canvas to design your own courses and content.
What will I learn?
How is the course structured?
Upcoming Start Dates
What is the time commitment?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
May 12, 2026
Who should enroll in this program?
June 23, 2026
What have participants said about it?
How can I enroll?
August 4, 2026
Frequently Asked about CCPU: What will I learn?
Canvas Certified Power User (CCPU) is a one-course certification. Participants will progress through 9 weeks of content, with a 3-week period at the end to complete their final project. Click on the sections below to learn more!
Weeks 1-4
Weeks 5-8
Weeks 9-12
9 - Wrapping Up
5 - Discussions
1 - Welcome to Canvas
10 & 11 - Final Project
2 - Modules
6 - Quizzes
12 - Course End
7 - Grading and Feedback
3 - Pages
4 - Assignments
8 - Setup and Sharing
What is the time committment?
How are courses structured?
What have folks said about it?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: How is the course structured?
We have designed our Canvas Certified Power User course to be user-friendly, full of resources, and including the most up-to-date features of Canvas. Read more about what to expect below!
How are courses structured?
When do the courses start?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: What is the time commitment?
The Canvas Certified Power User program is designed to be completed in 12 weeks.
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
What is the time commitment?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: How is this program different?
Participants engage in project-based work that they can put to use in their learning environments right away. Click on the items below to learn more about what makes us different!
Project-based, not seat time (or tests)
Cohort-based community of learners
Includes newest Canvas features
Extends learning with 'Bamboo Boost'
Engaging facilitators
Badges and Micro-credentials
How is this program different?
How are courses structured?
When do the courses start?
What have folks said about it?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: Who should enroll in this program?
Designed for those who will be using Canvas to create and deliver content, CCPU is great for a variety of Canvas users.
Canvas Certified Power User is great for those who are...
New to Canvas
CCPU will give those who are brand new to Canvas everything they need to start using Canvas confidently
Looking for a refresh
CCPU will give those who might have used Canvas previously a good restart, with fresh ideas of how to use Canvas
Wanting to know the latest updates
CCPU will give those who are experienced Canvas users all of the in-depth knowledge they need when it comes to the understanding and using the newest Canvas features
Who should enroll?
What is the time committment?
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
When do the courses start?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: Who should enroll in this program?
Designed for those who will be using Canvas to create and deliver content, CCPU is great for a variety of Canvas users.
Canvas Certified Power User is great for those who are...
New to Canvas
CCPU will give those who are brand new to Canvas everything they need to start using Canvas confidently
Looking for a refresh
CCPU will give those who might have used Canvas previously a good restart, with fresh ideas of how to use Canvas
Wanting to know the latest updates
CCPU will give those who are experienced Canvas users all of the in-depth knowledge they need when it comes to the understanding and using the newest Canvas features
Who should enroll?
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What have folks said about it?
What is the time committment?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: When do the courses start?
Click the Upcoming Cohorts button below to see Cohort start dates and projected finish dates!
Upcoming Cohorts
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What have folks said about it?
What is the time committment?
What will I learn?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: What have participants said about it?
The quotes below are from CCPU participants from the program. Check out what they had to say!
I have been using Canvas as an instructional designer for at least 10 years. I am also an adjunct instructor. This was an excellent course. I was reminded of features I had forgotten about or don't use often. I learned about new features. I was able to experience Canvas from the student perspective and try out somefeatures that we have not yet implemented at my institution. I also enjoyed learning how other Canvas customers are using various features. I think this is a great introduction to Canvas for newer users but also a great training for experienced users.
I believe this is a training that every new Canvas user should take. It is comprehensive, easy to understand, and provides real ways for instructors to implement what they are learning.
I learned a lot about how to organized a course that MAKES SENSE to students. I've mostly learned to streamline modules and use pages effedtively. I think mystudents will benefit greatly by having a course that is user freindly and easy to follow. I learned by example what having set expectations and consisting formatting means from a student perspetive.
This course has strengthened my foundational knowledge, provided practical strategies for immediate use, and highlighted advanced tools that I can explore and implement over time. I now feel better equipped to support teachers, students, and parents in creating engaging, organized, and effective Canvas courses.
How are courses structured?
What have folks said about it?
How is this program different?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
How can I enroll?
Who should enroll?
Frequently Asked about CCPU: How can I enroll?
Canvas Certified Power User - Invoice
How are courses structured?
How is this program different?
What have folks said about it?
When do the courses start?
What will I learn?
What is the time committment?
Who should enroll?
How can I enroll?
consistent and engaging
PANDA Methodology
We have developed a course creation methodology for our certified programs that is build on sound learning and instructional design principles. The PANDA Methodology is used in Canvas Certified User, as well as in Canvas Certified Educator. You will be introduced to this in the course!
anytime, anywhere
Asynchronous with due dates
Canvas Certified User is a fully asynchronous course, which means there are no live sessions, allowing participants to do the work anytime, anywhere. There are due dates that are there to serve as guideposts throughout the 12 weeks.
Week 9: Wrapping Up & Next Steps
Topics covered in this week include:
Week 5: Discussions
Topics covered in this week include:
Micro-credentials
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will earn a micro-credential through Canvas Credentials. This micro-credential gives the graduates of the course the designation of Canvas Certified Power User.
Week 3: Pages
Topics covered in this week include:
The best of canvas
Showcasing Canvas Course Components
Participants in the Canvas Certified User course will see all of the pieces of Canvas courses in full use in the course, including Pages, Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes.
We'll call out the newest updates to Canvas with our Fresh Features boxes throughout the course.
All of the Newest Updates
We'll also highlight Instructure products as well as other partner products that we are using in the course.
Exciting Extras
&
FLEXibility is key
Weekly content
There are 9 weeks of content in the course. Each week has an Assignment and a Discussion with a due date. The due dates throughout the course are suggestions. The final 3 weeks allow for catchup if needed, and completion of the final project. The final project must be submitted by the final day of the course.
Week 12 - Course End
No new work is assigned during this week. We use the additional weeks in this course to allow for flexibiity in the time of the course, if participants fall behind on the weekly due dates. Participants must submit their final project by the end of this week. No course submissions will be accepted beyond the 12 weeks of this course. Once a participant has successfully completed the course, they will receive their micro-credential and a certificate of completion.
Week 1: Welcome to Canvas
Topics covered in this week include:
Week 6: Quizzes
Topics covered in this week include:
No Seat Time or Tests
Upmost in our minds when creating the program was - how will participants be able to apply this content? The application in our participants' learning environments is key -- all of the assessment pieces in Canvas Certified Power User ask participants to create something they will use in Canvas. There is no seat-time requirement, and there are no tests. Participants in Canvas Certified Power User will work throughout the course to complete their Canvas Certified Power User Checklist - a step-by-step, comprehensive accounting of all of the aspects of course creation, and the participant's notes, plan, and evidence of their learning.
Community of Learners
We value and leverage the relationships made among the peers as they progress through the course. The Discussions in the course are an integral part of the learning, and provide participants the opportunity to see how others are applying their knowledge about Canvas, as well as giving them the opportunity to ask questions and learn from one another.
Extending the learning
Bamboo Boost
Throughout the course we will highlight additional areas or uses of Canvas that can give your course creation a boost. Sometimes we will highlight a feature. Other times we will highlight a specific idea of how you can use one of the core components of Canvas.
Week 7: Grading & Feedback
Topics covered in this week include:
Week 8: Course Set Up & Sharing
Topics covered in this week include:
Experts to help guide you
Facilitated Courses
All of our courses have a facilitator who has been through the program. They are long-time Canvas users, and they are here to help you! They will also be communicating with the course participants through Conversations and Announcements, and will be giving feedback on all work submitted in the course.
Weeks 10 & 11: Final Project Work Time
No new work is assigned during this week. We use the additional weeks in this course to allow for flexibiity in the time of the course, if participants fall behind on the weekly due dates.Participants can use this time to complete activities in the course and prepare their final project submission.The course facilitator is active during this time, and available for questions and feedback.
Week 2: Modules
Topics covered in this week include:
Facilitated Courses
A critical piece of the courses is the facilitator for communication, engagement, and feedback. All of the CCPU facilitators are educators and Instructure employees who have been through the CCPU program. They represent educators in K12 and HE from all over the United States.
Micro-credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn the Canvas Certified Power User micro-credntial. We issue this through Canvas Credentials. Each participant who successfully completes the program will receive both a digital badge as evidence, as well as a certificate that indicates they are a Canvas Certified Power User.
Week 4: Assignments
Topics covered in this week include: