Certifications vs Certificates

Distinguishing the Difference
Between Certification and Certificates

There is confusion as to the meaning and proper use of the term “certification” especially in today’s growing online course marketplace.
The practice of providing evidence of course completion is widely accepted, and technology makes it easier to do electronically; however, this “certificate” should never be confused with the rigor and achievement of professional certification.

The incorrect use of the term “certification” by training companies, educational institutions, and even individual training consultants is primarily to sell training courses. These courses claim to include something called certification, but these are course completion certificates.

Generally, they include a short mini-quiz at the end of the course. These are not certifications based on a standard body of knowledge as developed by objective third-party entities. These are more accurately certificates awarded for purchasing specific training.

A valid expert accreditation or professional certification is the formal acknowledgment issued by a recognized and established professional organization that an individual has exhibited a mastery and comprehension of, a specified body of knowledge. An AIPMM certification, like most authentic professional certifications, requires that individuals demonstrate these competencies by passing an exam designed to test the knowledge of the specified disciplines.