certification

Certification is the process by which an independent body assesses whether a product, service, process, or person meets defined standards or requirements, and, if conformity is demonstrated, issues a certificate that can be publicly displayed or referenced. It serves to provide assurance to buyers, regulators, and other stakeholders that specified criteria have been met.

Certification can take several forms. Personal certification verifies competence in a professional field, such as project management, accounting, cybersecurity, or information technology. Product certification attests that a product or service complies with relevant safety, performance, or quality standards. Organizational certification evaluates an organization’s management systems, such as quality, environmental, or information security management, through audits and continual improvement requirements.

The process typically involves an application, assessment (which may include exams, audits, inspections, or product testing), and the issuance of a certificate. Many certifications require periodic surveillance or recertification to maintain validity, often involving continuing education or re-evaluation at set intervals. Certification bodies are usually accredited by recognition authorities to ensure impartiality and competence.

Certification is distinct from licensure, which is usually government-regulated and may be mandatory to practice in certain professions. It is also different from accreditation of a body or program, which assesses the certification body itself rather than the subject being certified. While certificates signal credibility, their value depends on the reputation of the issuing body and applicable standards.