Todistus

Todistus is a Finnish noun meaning a document that attests or proves a fact or status. It can function as a certificate, attestation, or official statement issued by an authority or organization. Todistus may concern education, employment, health, legal status, or other verifiable information about a person or event.

The word derives from the verb todistaa, "to prove", with todistus forming the noun for an attestation or proof.

Common types include oppilastodistus (school certificate) that confirms studies and grades; työtodistus (employment certificate) that describes job duties and tenure; and lääkärintodistus (medical certificate) confirming health status or sick leave. Official documents issued by authorities may be called virkatodistus. In everyday use, todistus is a general label for documents used as proof in various settings.

The legal effect and acceptance of a todistus depend on the issuing authority, signatures, and seals; in international matters, translations, legalization, or apostilles may be required. Todistus is distinct from lausunto, which denotes an opinion or assessment rather than a factual attestation.