Does my X employer HAVE to provide a certificate of employment?

My X employer and I left on good terms but he doesn't do references. I worked for him for 2.5yrs as office manager and would want the back up of it on my resume' as it is worth more $'s to me in a job - not that I am returning to work this year, but I am redoing my resume' and will be studying again towards the end of this year.
So I have called the office and he is busy but spoke with the receptionist about it and she said she will talk with him about it.
My ? I s'pose is, is it compulsory for him to provide me with one?

do you want a written reference (ie how good you are), or just something that says you worked there? The HR person should beable to supply you with a document detailing the time you worked there. Written references are rarely called for these days- employers prefer to call and talk to your referees and get verbal reference, and then they can ask the specific questions they are after.

I agree Kate, a written ref means diddly these days... I just really want something that says my position and the dates I worked there.
Lets just hope he isn't a bigger a$$ than I thought he was and gives me one.

HR are supposed to give you one. You could tell a furfie and say you're going for a loan and need a statement of employment.

definately should be able to get a record of employment from HR. You can even get a 'separation certificate' from centerlink and give it to payroll and they can fill it out. It basically states the period of employment and reasons for leaving.

Yes, they do need to provide a certificate of employment. All it needs to be is confirmation of the dates you worked there and in what capacity.