certification
gb/sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Official proof of qualification or compliance
An official paper or process that shows a person or thing meets certain rules or standards.
Usage pattern:
[someone] receives [a certification]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'certification' with 'certificate'. A 'certificate' is the document, while 'certification' is the process or status.
Synonyms
accreditation (Often used for institutions or programs rather than individuals, but similar in meaning.)
|
qualification (A broader term that can refer to skills, experience, or certifications.)
Antonyms
disqualification (Indicates removal of status or failure to meet required standards.)
Collocations
professional certification
|certification program
|obtain certification
|certification process
|industry certification
Themes
business
|education
|law
Examples
- She received her certification as a yoga instructor last month.
- The company is working toward ISO 9001 certification.
- Certification is required to operate certain types of machinery.
- After passing the exam, he applied for official certification.
- The product carries organic certification from a trusted body.
Learner examples
- I got my teaching certification.
- He needs certification to drive the bus.
- She has a health and safety certification.
- The school offers a language certification.
- We must get certification before selling this food.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Formal attestation of truth
An official statement that something is true or correct.
Usage pattern:
[someone] issues [a certification]
Synonyms
attestation (More formal and often used in legal or administrative contexts.)
Antonyms
refutation (Direct contradiction or proof that a claim is false.)
Collocations
medical certification
|death certification
|certification of authenticity
Themes
law
|business
|communication
Examples
- The bank required certification of the documents before approval.
- Certification of the death was completed by the hospital.
- We need certification of authenticity for the artwork.
- Legal certification was necessary before proceeding with the sale.
Learner examples
- The doctor gave me a medical certification.
- We have a certification that the gold is real.
- He signed the certification to say it was true.
Grammar
Dictionary form
certification
IPA
GB/sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
cer - ti - fic - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (fic)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: certification
- Plural: certification, certifications
Word family
Forms
certifications
noun
Core family
Related words
certifier
noun
Advanced or less common
certifiable
adjective
Expressions
certification process
1/sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən pɹˈɑsˌɛs/
fixed phrase
Steps to get official recognition
The set of actions needed to get official approval that you meet certain rules.
Examples
- The certification process can take several months to complete.
- We will guide you through the entire certification process.
certification program
1/sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən pɹˈoʊɡɹˌæm/
fixed phrase
Course leading to official status
A course of study or training that gives you official approval when you finish it.
Examples
- She enrolled in a certification program for project management.
- The university offers an online certification program in accounting.
professional certification
1/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Official professional recognition
An official paper or status that shows you have the skills for a certain job.
Examples
- Professional certification is required for licensed engineers.
- He has several professional certifications in IT security.