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 of certification

• 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

Another standout feature is its CertiPur-US and Greenguard Gold certifications, which mean it’s made without harmful materials and won’t release irritants that can trigger allergies. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

Since forming in 1973, Journey has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, scored 18 top 40 Billboard Hot 100 singles, and earned RIAA diamond certification for its Greatest Hits album. —Dave Brooks, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025

This shift would aim to shorten lead times and reduce tariff uncertainty while maintaining the company’s certification standards for recycled and low-impact materials, Talbot said. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, has earned multiple sustainability certifications thanks to its environmental and social initiatives. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 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