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Synonyms

certified

American  
[sur-tuh-fahyd] / ˈsɜr təˌfaɪd /

adjective

  1. having or proved by a certificate.

    a certified representative.

  2. guaranteed; reliably endorsed.

    a certified check.

  3. legally declared insane.

  4. committed to a mental institution.


certified British  
/ ˈsɜːtɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

  1. holding or guaranteed by a certificate

  2. endorsed or guaranteed

    a certified cheque

  3. (of a person) declared legally insane

"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

Etymology

Origin of certified

First recorded in 1605–15; certify + -ed 2

Explanation

If you've met a certain standard or proven that you're qualified for some specific job or task, you're certified. Most schools hire only certified teachers. In order for a person to become certified, there is usually some sort of test or review. A certified accountant has proven that she knows how to prepare tax forms and other financial records by taking classes and an exam. A certified diver has trained to use scuba gear and dive to a certain depth in the ocean, and demonstrated this ability. When you're certified in some way, you often receive a certificate, a document that proves it.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing certified

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.

But that tactic no doubt exists, particularly with the less scrupulous agents out there,” said Andy Panko, a certified financial planner who is tracking IUL policy claims and testing their effectiveness in a continuing project.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

Test results from federally certified labs must be accurate but not necessarily clinically meaningful or actionable.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

“We do think Joby can have aircraft FAA certified for carrying passengers in the 2028 time frame, while Archer at the Olympics is probably not going to happen.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Though Lapicki works with plenty of certified registered nurse anesthetists—who are able to administer anesthesia—he or another anesthesiologist are always physically on hand, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

Open to the public, the Marshall Library was also being certified for the storage of classified documents.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

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