Certifications granted by government agencies that train for specific jobs then validate that learning and ability to perform that job can be demonstrated. Three Ways to Avoid Confusion in Credentialing 1. Certification is not licensure 2. Licensure is not accreditation 3. The three concepts in credentialing that are confused by folks just getting their first certification as well as the professional about to retire who still mistakes a licensure for a certification.
Certification is voluntary.
That means it is neither a barrier nor a gate to entering or exiting a job. Certification implies an assurance than an individual possesses a specific knowledge or skill level pertaining to an occupation. Things are accredited. Accreditation is a designation that an organization or business has met a combination of standards and abilities that are put in place for public safety, welfare and confidence. Colleges are accredited.