A Systematic Literature Review on QRCode–Based Systems for Academic Credential Verification

Abstract

The increasing need for secure and efficient academic credential verification has driven the adoption of digital solutions, particularly QR code–based systems, to address credential fraud and inefficiencies in manual verification processes. This study presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on QR code–based systems for academic credential verification, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were systematically identified through structured searches of major academic databases, followed by screening and eligibility assessment based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final set of selected studies was analyzed and synthesized to examine system architectures, verification mechanisms, application domains, and security considerations of QR code–enabled credential verification systems in educational contexts. The review reveals that QR code technology is predominantly utilized for certificate authentication, transcript verification, attendance tracking, and digital credential issuance. However, limitations persist regarding data integrity assurance, interoperability across platforms, privacy protection, and resistance to tampering. Furthermore, the lack of standardized frameworks and inconsistent implementation practices across institutions were identified as key challenges. This review highlights existing research gaps and outlines future research directions toward developing more robust, secure and standardized QR code–based academic credential verification systems to support trustworthy and scalable digital education ecosystems.