certification

noun

cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsər-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of certifying : the state of being certified

2

: a certified statement

Synonyms

• certificate

Examples of certification in a Sentence

the certification of the vote

She had to wait until her certification as a nurse before she could start her new job.

The certifications of nine teachers were revoked.

The school offers scuba diving certification.

Recent Examples on the Web

Executives at transportation companies have long fumbled through questions about certification and product timelines, as there’s so much that is completely out of their control. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025

The project is designed to meet Florida Green Building Design Silver certification through non-toxic building materials, energy-efficient systems, and resilient design practices. —The Well Coconut Grove, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025

All instructors must obtain 500 hours of Pilates certification, which Ryser said is not the standard across the industry, but a higher bar Club Pilates sets for its trainers. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025

Medicare and Medicaid benefits continue to be paid out, again at least for a time, though case work services, oversight of contractors and health facility certifications would largely stop. —Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing certification

• certification mark

Rhymes for certification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

certification

noun

cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsərt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: the act of certifying : the state of being certified

psychiatrists with subspecialty board certification in geriatrics

—Gary Kennedy

Legal Definition

certification

noun

cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsər-ti-fi-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the act of certifying

b

: the state of being certified see also certiorari

Note: Certification of an interlocutory decision by a trial court allows an appellate court to review the decision and to answer a controlling question of law. Certification is often used in state courts as well as federal courts and, where available, allows a federal court to refer a question of state law to the state's highest court. Certification is also used to refer to a judge's order that allows a suit to be maintained as a class action.

2

: a certified statement