Certification is the recognition of professional competence—that is, the ability to produce work that meets identified standards within the framework of the job. Certifications are a class of transferrable credentials. Transferrable credentials are ones that are individually obtained and that transfer when individuals change jobs. This entry discusses the general characteristics of professional certification, competency models underlying certifications, and certifications targeted toward instructional designers.

Although certification processes for different professions have slight differences, all have these general characteristics:

Professionals who successfully meet the requirements of certification earn a designation. The designation usually refers to the rights to use a particular title, such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance or Certified Training and Development Professional.

A certification body oversees the credentialing process. In most countries, the certification body ...