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

After the restoration is complete, IWC issues an official certification detailing the authenticity and provenance of the watch. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025

The show also received the BAFTA’s albert certification for sustainable production and the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal in recognition of its sustainable production practices for Season 2 and 3, according to the press release. —Giana Levy, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

TextileGenesis, a Lectra solution, gives brands real-time visibility into their supply chains, tracking materials, certifications and production processes. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025

Although many websites offer certification for emotional support animals, they aren't required to be documented in an official registry, according to state and federal law. —Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 4 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