# certification

/ˌsɝtəfəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /sˌɜːtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/certification
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. professional qualification

noun · CEFR B2

an official document or title that proves you have the skills to do a specific job.

For teachers: a professional credential awarded by a regulatory body or institution that validates an individual's competency in a specific field.

- She is studying for her teaching certification so she can work in public schools.
- Obtaining a project management certification significantly enhanced his prospects during the annual salary review process.

Usage: Often used with 'in' to specify the field, such as 'certification in nursing'.

### 2. the act of verifying

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the official process of checking and confirming that something is true or safe.

For teachers: the formal procedure of verifying that a product, process, or document adheres to legal or technical standards.

- The new aircraft must undergo strict safety certification before it can carry passengers.
- The laboratory's certification was suspended following an audit that revealed several breaches of standard safety protocols.

Usage: Commonly functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.

## Examples

- She received her teaching certification last month.
- The company requires all new technicians to complete a safety certification before they can operate the heavy machinery.
- While the degree provides a theoretical foundation, obtaining a professional certification demonstrates a practical mastery of industry standards that many recruiters find more immediately valuable.

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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.