Certificates, certifications, and licenses are often confused, but essential distinctions exist. A certificate verifies that a person has completed a course or series of courses at an educational institution. A certification verifies that a professional has met specific criteria for a skill or job as measured by a third-party assessment. A license is a verification by a government agency that a professional can perform a particular occupation in a specific location, such as a certain state.

What is a certificate?

A certificate is awarded after completing a course or program focused on a specific subject or skill. Educational institutions, companies, and organizations award certificates. Continuing education credits aren’t required to maintain a certificate after it’s awarded, but certificates often count towards continuing education credits. Certificates do not make one certified, but they can help prepare for certification exams.

What is a credential?

Professional credentials, sometimes called certifications, are issued by private organizations that create criteria to verify that a person has advanced skills in their field. Credentials/Certifications are voluntary, meaning one chooses to become credentialed/certified, although some industries or companies may require certification to hold certain positions, as do some state licensure boards.

What is a certification?

Certification signifies that an individual has passed an exam confirming they have met established industry standards of competence and expertise in a specific field or skill. Professional associations, companies, organizations, or certification bodies award certifications. Awarding organizations usually require continuing education credits to help expand expertise, stay relevant and up-to-date, and maintain professional standards.

What is a license (licensure)?

Licenses give individuals the legal authority to work in regulated professions after training and passing a licensing exam. Depending on the type of license and state, licensure can also include additional requirements, such as earning professional certifications and/or certificates. A government licensing board, such as a state board, issue licenses. A license does not necessarily mean someone is also certified.

Licensing requirements can vary from state to state due to different laws, regulations, and standards set by each state’s regulatory bodies or licensing boards.