Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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 company’s eVTOL is slated for 2028.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

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 is granted when a country proves that the transmission chain is interrupted for at least the previous three consecutive years.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2024

DeFazio’s hearings resulted in a new law — the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act — and FAA promises to strictly monitor the quality of Boeing aircraft.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 8, 2024

Mr. McDaniel: Certification has to do with planting stock.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Incorporated 39th Annual Report at Norris, Tenn. September 13-15 1948 by Northern Nut Growers Association

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "certification" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com