In healthcare and many professional fields, people often use the terms certificate and certification interchangeably, but they carry different meanings and implications. Let’s dive into each term to see how they differ and why it matters.
What is a Certificate?
A Certificate is awarded upon completion of an educational or training course. Typically given by an institution or vendor, it confirms that the recipient has completed a course or program but doesn’t signify mastery.
- Certificate of Completion or Attendance: This type of certificate shows that a person attended and completed a training program but has not necessarily demonstrated mastery of the skills taught. Think of it as a diploma; while it shows you’ve participated in a learning process, it doesn’t prove you’re an expert in the field.
In nursing, for example, a certificate alone doesn’t indicate that a person is certified or has demonstrated clinical mastery. Some programs may require additional evaluations to prove that knowledge has been effectively applied.
What is Certification?
Certification, on the other hand, signifies a recognized level of expertise and mastery. To become certified, professionals must go through an evaluation process that often includes an exam, demonstrating both knowledge and skills in their specialty.
- Ongoing Requirements: Certification is not a one-time process. Professionals must continue to meet standards, usually through ongoing education, to retain their certification status.
- Professional Competency: Certification ensures that a professional is qualified to perform specific job duties to a national standard, such as the certification process overseen by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Some professions, like Nursing, even require certification for roles like Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
Certified professionals are eligible to add credentials to their names, like CCRN, which also helps employers recognize their expertise in the field.
Legal Definitions and Practice Standards in New Mexico
According to the New Mexico Board of Nursing, there are specific definitions and standards for certificates and certifications:
- Certificate: A document allowing an unlicensed person to perform specific nursing-related tasks.
- Certificate of Completion: Awarded after educational or vocational training, indicating attendance or completion but not expertise or competency.
- Certification: Given by an authority, such as a national body, certification evidences mastery of knowledge and skills and typically includes passing an exam and maintaining ongoing education.
Nursing Standards in New Mexico (NMAC 16.12.2.11.H)
Registered Nurses (RNs) in New Mexico are expected to operate within their defined scope of practice. They may perform advanced functions if they:
- Have the required knowledge and skills from recognized nursing standards, and
- Are not restricted by any law or statute.
Certification from a recognized body is essential for emerging functions and advanced skills that go beyond traditional nursing knowledge. This process ensures that RNs demonstrate both mastery and competency to provide a high standard of care.
Conclusion: Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Whether you’re pursuing additional training or hiring professionals, understanding the distinction between certificate and certification helps clarify levels of expertise. A certificate confirms training completion, while certification validates a professional’s competency and mastery, offering assurance to both employers and clients.