# certify

/ˈsɝtəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /sˈɜːtɪfˌaɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/certify
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to confirm a standard

verb · CEFR B2

to give someone an official document that says they have passed a test or reached a high level.

For teachers: to attest that a person, product, or organization has met a specific official standard or requirement.

- The institute will certify you as a professional accountant after you pass the final exam.
- The agency refused to certify the new medical device until the manufacturer provided more comprehensive data regarding long-term patient safety.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice: 'to be certified as'.

### 2. to verify a fact

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to state officially that something is true or correct, usually in writing.

For teachers: to attest to a fact or the truth of a statement, typically through a formal written declaration.

- A lawyer must certify that these copies are exactly the same as the original documents.
- The chief financial officer was required to certify the accuracy of the annual accounts before they were released to the shareholders.

### 3. to inform

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to tell someone that something is definitely true.

For teachers: to inform or assure a person of the truth of a matter.

- The messenger arrived to certify the king of the army's victory.
- The elderly clerk wrote to certify his employer that the debts had been settled in full, just as promised years prior.

## Examples

- The doctor must certify that you are healthy enough to work.
- Before you can work as a professional electrician, a national board must certify your skills through a series of exams.
- The accounting firm refused to certify the financial statements until the management provided more evidence regarding their offshore assets and recent acquisitions.

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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.