Certification

Certification (sərˌtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən)

Certification is a formal process of validating an individual's skills, knowledge, and abilities in a specific domain. The process is typically conducted by a recognized authority or professional body.

Etymology

The term 'certification' is derived from the Latin word 'certificare', which means 'to make certain'. It has been in use since the 15th century.

Process

The Certification process typically involves a series of steps, including:

Application: The individual submits an application to the certifying body, detailing their qualifications and experience.
Examination: The individual must pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills in the relevant domain.
Verification: The certifying body verifies the individual's qualifications and experience.
Issuance: If the individual meets all the requirements, the certifying body issues a certificate.

Types

There are various types of certifications, including:

Professional certification: This is typically issued by a professional body to individuals who have demonstrated a certain level of competence in a specific profession.
Product certification: This is issued by a certifying body to indicate that a product meets certain standards of performance and quality.
Organizational certification: This is issued to organizations that meet certain standards in areas such as quality management, environmental management, and information security management.

Related Terms

Accreditation: This is a process by which a body (usually a government agency) gives formal recognition to a person, organization, product, or service that meets certain standards.
Licensure: This is a process by which a government agency grants permission to an individual to engage in a given occupation.
Credential: This is a document that attests to the fact that a person has the qualifications stated in it.