<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article relies too much on references to primary sources . Please improve this by adding secondary or tertiary sources . (November 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task . Not all certifications that use post-nominal letters are an acknowledgement of educational achievement, or an agency appointed to safeguard the public interest . </P> <P> A certification is a third - party attestation of an individual's level of knowledge or proficiency in a certain industry or profession . They are granted by authorities in the field, such as professional societies and universities, or by private certificate - granting agencies . Most certifications are time - limited; some expire after a period of time (e.g., the lifetime of a product that required certification for use), while others can be renewed indefinitely as long as certain requirements are met . Renewal usually requires ongoing education to remain up - to - date on advancements in the field, evidenced by earning the specified number of continuing education credits (CECs), or continuing education units (CEUs), from approved professional development courses . </P> <P> Many certification programs are affiliated with professional associations, trade organizations, or private vendors interested in raising industry standards . Certificate programs are often created or endorsed by professional associations, but are typically completely independent from membership organizations . Certifications are very common in fields such as aviation, construction, technology, environment, and other industrial sectors, as well as healthcare, business, real estate, and finance . </P>

What does certifications mean on a job application