Certification and certificate are distinct terms in the context of education or training.
A certificate reflects the completion of a training and/or education program and the accomplishment of intended learning outcomes. Certificates are issued for life or for a specific time period. They are not generally revoked, which means they do not require ongoing maintenance or renewal.
A certification reflects attainment of established criteria for proficiency or competency in a profession or occupation and is granted upon an assessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certification is valid for a specific time period. A certification program has an ongoing requirement to maintain proficiency or competency and can be revoked if ongoing requirements are not met.
| Assessment-based Certificate Program | Professional or Personnel Certification Program |
| Provides instruction and training (non-degree granting) | Assesses knowledge, skills, and/or competencies previously acquired |
| Goal is for participants to acquire specific knowledge, skills, and/or competencies | Goal is to validate the participant’s competency through a conformity assessment system |
| Assessment is used to evaluate mastery of the intended learning outcomes; linked directly to the learning event | Assessment is best used to assure baseline competencies and to differentiate professionals; independent of a specific learning event |
| Assessment content may be narrower in scope | Assessment content is usually broad in scope |
| Awards a certificate to recognize mastery of the specific learning outcomes; it is NOT a certificate of attendance or participation, which is awarded to individuals who have attended or participated in a course or training program but did not have to demonstrate mastery of the intended learning outcomes | Awards designations to recognize achievement |