Abstract
<jats:p>Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative innovation in secure and decentralized data management. Initially developed for cryptocurrencies, it has expanded into various industries, including academic record management. Its immutable and decentralized structure makes it ideal for preserving the integrity, security, and authenticity of sensitive records. Traditional transcript systems are prone to tampering, unauthorized modifications, and inefficient verification processes. This study developed a blockchain-based academic transcript system aimed at enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency. The system integrates optimized smart contracts and consensus mechanisms within a modified blockchain framework to automate transcript issuance and verification. By utilizing blockchain’s immutable ledger, it ensures verifiable, tamper-proof academic records, reducing the risks of fraud and data breaches. JSON Web Tokens (JWT) were employed in the back end for secure data exchange between the application and the Ethereum blockchain, removing vulnerabilities from third-party authentication tools. The back end was built using PHP (Laravel), while HTML, CSS, and JavaScript were used for the front end. An on-chain explorer module was added to the front end, enabling institutions and employers to verify transcripts easily. Results indicate that the system effectively supports academic transcript applications and verification, achieving a system efficiency of 95.2%. User evaluation showed notable improvements in security, performance, and satisfaction, confirming blockchain’s potential in academic record management. The system not only improves trust and transparency in credentialing but also lays the groundwork for innovative practices in the education sector.</jats:p>