Diploma

A diploma given after finishing the Johto Pokédex (Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver).

The Diploma is an item awarded in all of the main handheld Pokémon games for completing various modes of the Pokédex. It is always obtained from Game Freak's lead developer, usually at their headquarters at Celadon Condominiums. In games where Kanto is not visitable, he's on vacation at the top floor of Cove Lily Motel at Lilycove City (in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald), or at the northwesternmost house of the Hotel Grand Lake at the Valor Lakefront (in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum), where he also gives out the diploma. The diploma is not an item in the regular sense as it is not added to the player's inventory; to view it after obtaining it, the player must talk to said lead developer again.

In Generation I and II, there is only one diploma in the game, awarded for capturing most of the Pokémon revealed at the time. From Generation III onwards, there is one diploma awarded for completing the regional Pokédex and a second for completing the national one. Event Pokémon (Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Manaphy, Phione, Darkrai, Shaymin and Arceus), as well as Ho-oh and Lugia starting from from Generation III, are not required to qualify for any of the diplomas. In addition, in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, one needs to only see all of the Pokémon in the Sinnoh Dex to qualify for the regional version of the diploma.

In Pokémon Red and Green, it was long rumored that the player could obtain Mew from Game Freak's lead developer in Celadon Mansion after completing the Pokédex of 150 Pokémon. However, this is false; instead, a diploma is awarded for finishing the Pokédex.

In Pokémon Yellow, if a player owns a Game Boy Printer, they may print out a copy of their diploma.