certification

certification

 [ser″tĭ-fĭ-ka´shun]

a process indicating that an individual or institution has met predetermined standards; many specialty areas have professional organizations that provide certification to individual practitioners. National associations may control the process and development of certification examinations conducted by their specialty interest groups.

cer·ti·fi·ca·tion

(ser'ti-fi-kā'shŭn),

1. Acknowledgment by a medical specialty board of successful completion of requirements for recognition as a specialist.

2. The court procedure by which a patient is committed to a mental institution.

3. Involuntary mental hospitalization.

certification

Etymology: L, certus, certain, facere, to make

1 a process in which an individual, an institution, or an educational program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards. Certification is usually made by a nongovernmental agency. The purpose of certification is to ensure that the standards met are those necessary for safe and ethical practice of the profession or service.

2 (in nursing) a process in which the professional organization or association verifies that a person who is licensed has met the standards for specialty practice specified by the profession. The purpose of certification is to assure other professionals and the public that the person has mastered the skills necessary to practice a particular specialty and has acquired the standard body of knowledge common to that specialty. Compare accreditation. See also certification in nursing.

cer·ti·fi·ca·tion

(sĕr'ti-fi-kā'shŭn)

1. The attainment of board approval and credentialing in a specialty.

2. The court procedure by which a patient is committed to a mental institution.

3. Involuntary mental hospitalization.

cer·ti·fi·ca·tion

(sĕr'ti-fi-kā'shŭn)

Acknowledgment by a medical specialty board of successful completion of requirements for recognition as a specialist.