# certificate

/sɝˈtɪfɪkət/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/certificate
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. official record

noun · CEFR B1

an official paper that proves a fact about a person, like when they were born or married.

For teachers: an official document recording a significant life event or legal fact, such as a birth, marriage, or death.

- You need to show your birth certificate to apply for a new passport.
- The solicitor requested a certified copy of the death certificate to finalise the distribution of the estate.

### 2. educational qualification

noun · CEFR B1

a document you receive for completing a course of study or passing an exam.

For teachers: a document confirming that a person has successfully completed a specific course of study or passed a professional examination.

- She received a certificate in web design after finishing the six-month course.
- Candidates who successfully complete the advanced module will be awarded a professional certificate recognised by the national board.

### 3. digital security

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a digital file that proves a website or computer is safe and who they say they are.

For teachers: an electronic document used to prove the ownership of a public key, ensuring secure communication over a network.

- The browser showed a warning because the website's security certificate had expired.
- The administrator updated the SSL certificate on the server to maintain encrypted connections for all remote users.

### 4. film rating

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

an official age rating given to a movie.

For teachers: an official classification assigned to a motion picture by a rating board, indicating its suitability for specific age groups.

- The new horror movie was given an 18 certificate because of the violence.
- The cinema manager strictly enforced the age restrictions associated with the film's 15 certificate.

### 5. to provide a document

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to give someone an official certificate to show they have reached a certain standard.

For teachers: to attest to or confirm a status or level of achievement by issuing a formal document.

- The agency will certificate all students who pass the final safety test.
- The governing body intends to certificate the new laboratory once the final inspection of the ventilation system is complete.

## Examples

- You will receive a certificate after you pass the exam.
- The HR department requires a copy of your birth certificate before you can sign the employment contract.
- The browser blocked the website because its security certificate had expired, suggesting that the connection might no longer be private or authenticated by a trusted authority.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.