certification
ser-tih-fih-KAY-shun
/ˌser-tih-fih-KAY-shun/
The action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.
Certification is the 'proof' of quality, usually issued by a third party after an audit or test.
The story behind the word. To certify is to 'make certain'. When a product receives certification, the certifying body is telling the world that they are 'certain' it meets the required standards. It is the ultimate 'making sure' process.
Word relationships
- accreditation: Accreditation is usually for institutions (like universities); certification is usually for individuals or products.
- disqualification: Disqualification is the removal of a status or right, the opposite of certification.
Commonly confused with
- qualification: A qualification is a skill or quality that makes you suitable; a certification is the official document proving it.
Word family
- certify (verb): To attest or confirm in a formal statement.
- certified (adjective): Officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards.
Collocations
- professional certification
- board certification
- product certification
Idioms & expressions
- seal of certification
Example sentences
- "ISO 9001 certification is a globally recognized mark of quality management." Business
- "She earned her professional certification in project management after passing a rigorous exam." Professional Development
Memory hook
Certification is when you 'Certify-the-Action'—you prove that the action was done correctly. Making the quality certain.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'certificate', which is the physical piece of paper; 'certification' is the process or the status.
Fun facts
- The 'Fair Trade' certification ensures that farmers in developing countries are paid a fair price.
- In the 17th century, 'certification' was often used to describe a legal notice given to a court.
Related words
Explore more words
verify, authentication, competency, document, validate, qualified
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