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Synonyms

certification

American  
[sur-tuh-fi-key-shuhn, ser-tif-uh-] / ˌsɜr tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən, sərˌtɪf ə- /

noun

certifications plural
  1. the act of certifying.

  2. the state of being certified.

  3. a certified statement.

  4. the writing on the face of a check by which it is certified.

  5. Law. a certificate attesting the truth of some statement or event.


certification British  
/ ˌsɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

  1. the act of certifying or state of being certified

  2. law a document attesting the truth of a fact or statement

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Derived Forms

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Nouns

Etymology

Origin of certification

1400–50; late Middle English certificacio ( u ) n < Medieval Latin certificātiōn- (stem of certificātiō ). See certificate, -ion

Explanation

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing certification

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Certification of the -7 and -10 MAX variants is crucial for Boeing’s margin improvement in 2027.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

The film had been cleared by India's Central Board of Film Certification - known as the censor board - which reviews movies for public exhibition.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2025

Certification has traditionally been an administrative action in which election boards merely confirm that the compiled results match up with what precincts have reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2024

Certification can give livestock producers incentive to use these methods, but certification systems must be carefully designed.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2024

Sir, by this Certification, I am accused to you, that I should teach that no pilgrimage is lawful.

From Fifteenth Century Prose and Verse by Various

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