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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• noncertification
  noun
• precertification
  noun
• recertification
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• certifications
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

certification certifications

EAC also oversees the federal testing and certification program for voting systems, accrediting labs and certifying whether machines meet federal standards known as the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines.

From Salon ● Jul. 11, 2026

But Boeing has key FAA hurdles to clear, including the certification of the 737 MAX 10.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

CEO Kelly Ortberg said earlier this year that certification programs for both future MAX models were in their final stages and would be done by the end of 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

As each new plane type reaches scale, costs such as pilot training, engineer certification and spare-parts inventory build will begin to roll off, Creech notes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

Gradually, a specialization process began to occur and music became a regular subject with its own certification, an educational tradition that continues to this day.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Lie-flat seats in private pods face long waits for safety certifications, delaying debuts for carriers’ high-end offerings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

And the agreement will facilitate European firms to ship auto parts to Mexico through the recognition of European certifications and international standards.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

Members of the panel recommended the officers’ certifications be suspended or revoked outright.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 2, 2026

What are their qualifications — do they hold certifications like the certified financial planner designation?

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 30, 2026

I have no idea if she had any medical certifications beyond a vague notion of CPR, but she pulled Grace’s sagging body to the ground all the same.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

Related Words

• affidavit
• authentication
• authorization
• coupon
• credential
• deed
• diploma
• documentation
• guarantee
• license
• paper
• permit
• receipt
• ticket
• voucher
• warrant
• warranty