certify

Certify is a verb that means to attest to the truth or accuracy of something, or to guarantee that it meets defined standards by issuing a formal certificate. The act can apply to information, a person’s qualifications, or a product, process, or system. The term derives from a Latin root meaning certain, through the Old French certifier.

In practice, certification is typically carried out by an independent third party that assesses compliance with established criteria. The process often includes an application, review of documentation, testing or evaluation, audits, or interviews, followed by a decision to grant or deny certification. When granted, a certificate serves as evidence that the holder meets the specified standard. Certificates usually require renewal and ongoing surveillance to maintain validity, and they can be suspended or withdrawn for noncompliance.

Certification is distinct from licensing. Certification is often voluntary and provided by accreditation bodies or professional organizations, whereas licensing is usually a government authorization to practice a profession. Accreditation refers to the recognition of a certifying body's competence, rather than of a product or person.

Common application areas include professional credentials (such as engineers, teachers, nurses, or accountants), quality management (for example, ISO 9001), environmental and information security management, and product conformity marks (such as UL or CE), which indicate compliance with safety or regulatory standards. In formal contexts, certifying a document may also mean validating its authenticity or official status.