certification
sur-tuh-fuh-KAY-shuhn
/ˌsɝː.t̬ə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/
An official document or status attesting that a person has achieved a specific level of knowledge or skill.
Attaches to individuals after passing a standardized exam or completing training, verifying specialized competency.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'certus' (certain, sure) and 'facere' (to make). To grant certification is literally 'to make certain' that someone possesses specified skills.
Word relationships
- credential: Credential is an umbrella term for any qualification or degree; certification specifically implies passing a formal testing process.
- license: A license is a legal permission granted by a government body to practice; certification is professional recognition of expertise.
- decertification: The official removal or revoking of certified status.
Commonly confused with
- accreditation: Certification applies to individuals; accreditation applies to organizations and institutions.
Word family
- certify (verb): To attest officially as meeting standards.
- certified (adjective): Holding an official credential.
Collocations
- professional certification
- obtain certification
- certification exam
- re-certification
Example sentences
- "Earning a cybersecurity certification significantly boosted his salary prospects." IT Workforce
- "Crane operators must maintain active safety certification through regular testing." Industrial Safety
Memory hook
CERTIFICATION makes CERTAIN that you know your job. Making certain of individual skill.
When not to use
Do not confuse with institutional accreditation, which applies to entire schools rather than individuals.
Fun facts
- The world's oldest known certification systems were established in ancient China during the Han Dynasty to test civil service applicants.
Related words
Explore more words
verify, authentication, competency, document, validate, qualified
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