certification

/sərɾɪfɪˈkeɪʃɪn/

/sətɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Other forms: certifications

Certification is official proof that something is true or authentic, or the process of obtaining that proof. To work as a life guard, you need certification in both swimming and first aid — and a whole lot of sunscreen.

If you want to be an elementary school teacher, you'll need to get certification, which shows you've been tested and found qualified to teach. Likewise, an auto mechanic's certification demonstrates her education and skill at car repair. One element of certification is demonstrating your ability, and the other is obtaining a document (or certificate) so you can prove that ability to other people.

Definitions of certification

1. noun

   confirmation that some fact or statement is true through the use of documentary evidence
   synonyms: corroboration, documentation

   type of:

   confirmation

   information that confirms or verifies
2. noun

   a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
   synonyms: certificate, credential, credentials

   types:

   certificate of incorporation

   state approval of the articles of incorporation of a corporation

   birth certificate

   a copy of the official document giving details of a person's birth

   diploma, sheepskin

   a document certifying the successful completion of a course of study

   commission, military commission

   an official document issued by a government and conferring on the recipient the rank of an officer in the armed forces

   bill of health

   a certificate saying that a departing ship's company is healthy (to be presented at the next port of arrival)

   registration

   a document certifying an act of registering

   teacher's certificate, teaching certificate

   a certificate saying that the holder is qualified to teach in the public schools

   probate, probate will

   a judicial certificate saying that a will is genuine and conferring on the executors the power to administer the estate

   HND, Higher National Diploma

   a diploma given for vocational training that prepares the student for a career in a particular area; good students may progress to a course leading to a degree

   type of:

   document, papers, written document

   writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
3. noun

   validating the authenticity of something or someone
   synonyms: authentication

   type of:

   proof, substantiation, validation

   the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something
4. noun

   the act of certifying or bestowing a franchise on
   synonyms: enfranchisement

   types:

   accreditation

   the act of granting credit or recognition (especially with respect to educational institution that maintains suitable standards)

   type of:

   authorisation, authorization, empowerment

   the act of conferring legality or sanction or formal warrant