certification

noun

cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsər-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce certification (audio)
1
: the act of certifying : the state of being certified
2
: a certified statement

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Complementing their efforts in innovation is sustainability which has been recognised with a Gold certification from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism, a Canadian organization that evaluates and supports tourism businesses in their sustainable development efforts. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 After Black Sabbath, Osbourne launched a hugely successful solo career, with his first seven solo albums going on to earn multi-platinum certifications in the United States. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 22 July 2025 Additionally, businesses are prohibited from operating from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. After this ordinance passed in the winter, business owners expressed concern that the new rules added a burden that prevented them from obtaining certification. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025 Nancy Miller was only the second woman in the United States to earn a commercial helicopter pilots’ certification. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for certification

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of certification was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Certification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certification. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

certification

noun
cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsərt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce certification (audio)
: the act of certifying : the state of being certified
psychiatrists with subspecialty board certification in geriatricsGary Kennedy

Legal Definition

certification

noun
cer·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsər-ti-fi-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce certification (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on certification

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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