certifiable

Certifiable is an adjective meaning capable of being certified. It describes objects, systems, processes, or credentials that meet the criteria of an official certification but have not necessarily received certification yet. The term emphasizes eligibility or potential conformity to established standards rather than an actual certification status.

In practice, certification is typically carried out by an independent body that assesses conformity to predefined standards through documentation review, testing, and on-site audits. If the assessment confirms compliance, certification is awarded; if not, the item may be revised and resubmitted. Because certifiable items have the potential to be certified, the term is commonly used in regulatory, safety, quality, and professional contexts.

Common uses include certifiable software, certifiable products, certifiable processes, and certifiable personnel. A certifiable software component, for example, is one whose design and evidence can be shown to meet relevant reliability or safety criteria. A certifiable quality management system is one that can meet standards such as those for quality assurance, while certifiable professionals hold credentials pending verification by a certifying authority.

The distinction between certifiable and certified is important: certifiable refers to eligibility or capability, whereas certified denotes that certification has already been granted. The term is versatile across industries, including information technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, and it often appears in regulatory and compliance discussions as a heading for criteria that must be demonstrated to obtain formal certification.