certification
sur-tih-fih-KAY-shun
/ˌsɜː.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
The action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.
Certification is often the result of passing an exam or completing a course, providing tangible proof of a specific skill.
The story behind the word. A combination of the Latin 'certus' (certain/sure) and 'facere' (to make). To certify something is to 'make it certain' in the eyes of others.
Word relationships
- credential: A credential is a broad term for any qualification; certification is the specific document or process.
Commonly confused with
- accreditation: Certification is for people; accreditation is for the organizations that give the certificates.
Word family
- certify (verb): To attest or confirm in a formal manner.
- certificate (noun): The physical document.
Collocations
- professional certification
- obtain certification
- certification exam
Example sentences
- "To work as a project manager here, you must hold a PMP certification." Job requirement.
- "The equipment underwent rigorous testing to receive its safety certification." Safety standards.
Memory hook
A certification makes it 'certain' that you have the 'cation' (education). Making it certain.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with a 'degree,' which is a broader academic achievement from a university.
Fun facts
- The 'CPA' (Certified Public Accountant) was one of the first professional certifications, established in the US in 1896.
Related words
Explore more words
verify, authentication, competency, document, validate, qualified
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