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- Key takeaways
- Certification works best when it is accredited, well assessed, and tied to real job needs.
- Certification provides formal validation of skills against defined standards and improves credibility with employers and customers.
- The typical route is eligibility checks, application, exam or assessment, verified issuance, and periodic renewal.
- Accreditation and independent oversight increase trust and protect candidate outcomes through audits and quality assurance.
Online and blended learning widen access, but candidates should confirm technical requirements and support before enrolling.
Key facts about certification FAQs What is certification? Certification
is the process by which a person, organisation, or product is formally recognised as meeting specific standards or requirements, usually through evaluation by an independent
- certifying body or
- professional organisation . Gaining a certificate typically requires passing an
- exam or assessment, demonstrating certain skills or
- competency , and often maintaining standards through renewal or
- continuing education .
- Comparison: Certification, accreditation, licence, and credential Term
- Definition Awarded By
- Example Certification
- Formal recognition of individual competence after assessment Certifying body, professional organisation
Project management certificate
| Accreditation | Recognition that an institution meets established standards | Accrediting agency or governing body | University accreditation | Licence | Official permission to practise an occupation after meeting legal requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State board, government agency | Medical licence | Credential A qualification or documented achievement demonstrating ability or status Educational institution, employer, certifying body | Degree, certificate, badge | Benefits of certification | Validation of skills: |
| Provides formal recognition of knowledge and competencies. | Industry standard: | Demonstrates compliance with established requirements and best practices (e.g. | ISO | or | ANSI |
| certification). | Employability: | Enhances job prospects and professional reputation. | Professional development: | Supports career progression and commitment to lifelong learning through | continuing education |
| . | Recognition: | Recognised by employers, customers, and peers as evidence of capability. | Types of certifications | Professional certification: | Awarded by professional bodies or organisations in fields such as |
| project management | , finance, | IT | , or healthcare. Examples include certifications from | ANSI | or |
state boards
- . Academic certification:
- Issued by educational institutions after completing a course of study or passing qualifying exams – for instance, university certificates and diplomas. Technical certification: Validates competency in technical or vocational areas like IT, electrical work, or health and safety. Managed by certifying bodies, sometimes requiring assessment at a test centre. How to get certified
- Eligibility: Confirm you meet any prerequisites, such as specific
- qualifications , training, or work experience. These are outlined by the certifying body or governing body .
- Application: Submit your application and supporting evidence (e.g. qualifications, training records). Pay applicable fees.