The exam board claimed that the certificate was "the most technologically advanced ever". It incorporates 10 separate security features to prevent it from being reproduced.

David Sands, head of Edexcels certification department, said: "We dont have a big problem with fraud, but we have upgraded our certificate to keep ahead of the game."

The certificates features include a hologram that will not refract light if replicated, plus an invisible UV ink. Also, if the certificate is photocopied a heat-sensitive spot vanishes and the word "copy" appears.

A hand-drawn feature that the firm claimed could not be accurately reproduced and micro text that is unreadable if copied or scanned are included too.

Kalamazoo director Kevin Bassett said the firm had invested heavily in a specialist high-speed numbering and holographic line earlier this year.

Kalamazoo, which employs 250 staff and has sales of over 20m, has previously produced high-tech tickets for events like the 1999 Rugby Union World Cup and the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, and currently counts several Premiership football clubs among its clients.

It also specialises in producing corporate cheque books and financial control forms for sales and purchase ledgers.

The firm is over 100 years old and was bought by Adare five years ago.

Story by Gordon Carson