certification
sur-tih-fih-KAY-shuhn
Certification (noun) means the act of officially confirming that something meets a required standard. Example: “The new building needs safety certification before anyone can move in.”
noun
1
The act of officially confirming that something meets a required standard.
"The new building needs safety certification before anyone can move in."
"Certification of the organic farm takes several months of inspections."
"The factory underwent certification for food safety."
2
A qualification or document proving a person's skill or ability.
"She hung her teaching certification on the wall of her office."
"A first aid certification is required for this lifeguard job."
"You do not possess the certifications required for this post."
"He earned a certification in project management."
How to use certification
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOfficial confirmation that a person, product, or process meets a set standard.
Common pairings
professional certification
certification process
gain certification
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like certification.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- certifications
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new building needs safety _____ before anyone can move in.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for certification
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for certification →
Frequently asked questions
What does “certification” mean?
The word “certification” means the act of officially confirming that something meets a required standard. In plain terms, official confirmation that a person, product, or process meets a set standard.
How do you pronounce “certification”?
“Certification” is pronounced sur-tih-fih-KAY-shuhn (/ˌsɝ.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “certification” in a sentence?
Here is “certification” used in a sentence: “The factory underwent certification for food safety.”
What part of speech is “certification”?
“Certification” is a noun.
Is “certification” a common word?
“Certification” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “certification” have?
“Certification” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of officially confirming that something meets a required standard.
What is the difference between certification and a certificate?
Certification is the process or act of officially confirming that something or someone meets a required standard. A certificate is the document that proves it; certification is the process, while the certificate is the proof it produces.
What is the difference between certification and a license?
Certification usually shows that a person or product voluntarily meets an industry standard, often granted by a professional body. A license is official permission, typically required by law from a government authority, to do something such as practise a profession.
What is the difference between certification and accreditation?
Certification confirms that an individual or product meets a set standard. Accreditation is usually broader, formally recognizing that an organization or institution is competent to carry out certain tasks, such as a university being accredited to award degrees.
What is the difference between certification and a qualification?
A qualification is a broad term for any skill, training, or credential that makes someone suitable for a role. Certification is a specific type of qualification: an official document or confirmation proving a person's skill or that a standard has been met.
