Comparisons and advocacy

It can be done, but not out-of-the-box.  The linear process depends on Activity Locking which isn't fully implemented by Moodle yet.

We've been using a process similar to the one you describe since March 2006 at  http://www.mpro.org/education/ (view handouts, take post test, take evaluation, print certificate).  The SIMs are open to the public after you register.

I use Activity Locking, Feedback and Certificate modules.  None of them are standard to Moodle.

There are some very helpful people in the Activity Locking, Feedback and Certificate module forums.  They've helped me out of lots of jams.  You'll probably have to edit some php code.

Once you get the system running, it works well.  The toughest part for us is getting users through the Moodle registration process.

Good luck!