Certifications: What They Mean and Why They Matter

Introduction

In workplace safety, you’ll encounter many different types of professional credentials. Some are certificates earned after completing a training course, while others are certifications that validate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and competence through an independent assessment process.

Although the terms “certificate” and “certification” are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they represent two very different types of professional recognition. Understanding the distinction can help safety professionals make informed decisions about their career development and better communicate their qualifications to employers.

Certification vs. Certificate: What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest misconceptions in professional development is that a certificate and a certification are the same thing. They are not.

A certificate is typically awarded after completing a course, training program, or educational experience. It recognizes participation and successful completion of the program’s learning objectives, which may or may not include a written exam.

A professional certification, on the other hand, is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s competence against established standards. Certification programs generally require candidates to meet eligibility requirements, fill out an application, and successfully pass an independent examination designed to measure knowledge and, in some cases, experience.

Neither is inherently “better” than the other. They simply serve different purposes. Training builds knowledge and skills, while certification validates that those competencies have been demonstrated through an established assessment process.

Why Certifications Matter

Professional certifications serve several important purposes within the occupational safety profession.

For employers, certifications can provide confidence that a candidate has demonstrated knowledge in a defined body of practice. They can also support hiring decisions, career advancement, and professional credibility.

For safety professionals, certifications often represent a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Many certification programs also require ongoing professional development to maintain the credential, helping ensure that certificants remain current with evolving regulations, standards, and industry best practices.

Most importantly, certifications contribute to a more consistent level of professional competence across the industry.

What Is Accreditation?

Not all certification programs are created in the same way.

Some organizations voluntarily submit their certification programs for review by an independent accreditation body. Accreditation evaluates whether a certification program follows internationally recognized requirements for fairness, consistency, security, and impartiality.

One of the most widely recognized accreditation bodies in the United States is the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Rather than evaluating the individual who earns a credential, ANAB evaluates the organization that administers the certification program. The goal is to determine whether the certification process operates according to internationally accepted requirements.

What Does ANAB Accreditation Mean?

When a certification program is accredited by ANAB to ISO/IEC 17024, it means the certification body has undergone an independent evaluation of its policies, procedures, governance, examination development, and quality management processes.

Accreditation does not guarantee that every certificant will perform at the same level on the job. Instead, it demonstrates that the certification program itself has been developed and administered according to internationally recognized standards for personnel certification.

For employers and credential holders alike, accreditation provides an additional level of confidence in the integrity of the certification process.

Choosing Professional Credentials

Every safety professional’s career path is different.

Some roles benefit most from specialized training that develops technical skills. Others may require professional certification to demonstrate competence within a particular discipline. In many cases, the strongest professional development strategy includes both ongoing education and independent certification.

When evaluating any credential, it can be helpful to consider questions such as:

• What knowledge or competencies does it assess?
• What eligibility requirements must candidates meet?
• Is there an independent examination?
• Does the credential require continuing education or recertification?
• Has the certification program been independently accredited?

Conclusion

Professional development in workplace safety is an ongoing journey. Training programs, educational certificates, and professional certifications each play an important role in building safer workplaces and developing knowledgeable safety leaders.

By understanding how these credentials differ and recognizing the value of independently accredited certification programs, safety professionals can make informed decisions that support both their careers and the organizations they serve.

Find out more about the certifications offered by NASP and apply today!