Award vs. Certificate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 19, 2024
An award is a recognition of excellence or achievement, while a certificate is an official document verifying completion or proficiency.
Difference Between Award and Certificate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Awards are typically given to acknowledge outstanding achievements, excellence, or merit in various fields, including academics, sports, and the arts. They can take many forms, such as trophies, titles, or monetary gifts. Certificates, on the other hand, are formal documents that certify the attainment of specific qualifications, completion of a course, or mastery of certain skills.
While awards often symbolize recognition from peers, organizations, or communities for exceptional accomplishments, certificates serve as proof of an individual's capabilities or learning outcomes. For instance, winning an award for best research in a scientific community highlights a significant contribution, whereas obtaining a certificate in data analysis confirms that the individual has acquired certain skills through study.
Awards can be competitive, requiring recipients to surpass others in their field, reflecting a level of distinction or superiority. Certificates, however, are usually earned by meeting set criteria or standards, without necessarily outperforming others. This distinction underscores the competitive nature of awards versus the achievement-based nature of certificates.
Receiving an award can have a profound impact on an individual's reputation, opening doors to new opportunities and enhancing their status within a community or field. A certificate, while valuable, often serves more as a stepping stone, verifying qualifications for professional advancement, further education, or specific job roles.
The process of obtaining an award versus a certificate also differs significantly. Awards are given based on judgment or assessment of achievements, often involving a selection or nomination process. Certificates are earned by completing courses or passing examinations, indicating a more straightforward and standardized path to recognition.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Recognition of excellence or achievement.
Official document verifying completion or proficiency.
Purpose
To acknowledge outstanding accomplishments.
To certify qualifications or learning outcomes.
Criteria
Excellence, achievement, surpassing others.
Meeting set standards or criteria.
Impact
Enhances reputation and status.
Verifies qualifications for advancement.
Obtained Through
Selection or nomination process.
Completion of courses or examinations.
Compare with Definitions
Award
A recognition or honor for excellence.
She received an award for her groundbreaking research.
Certificate
A document verifying completion of a course or skills.
He earned a certificate in digital marketing.
Award
Symbolizes outstanding achievement in a field.
The Nobel Prize is an award given to individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity.
Certificate
Often required for professional advancement.
Obtaining a teaching certificate is essential for educators.
Award
Enhances reputation and opens new opportunities.
Winning an award boosted her visibility in the industry.
Certificate
Confirms mastery of certain skills or knowledge.
Her certificate in project management validates her organizational abilities.
Award
Often competitive, requiring surpassing others.
The award for Best Picture is highly competitive among filmmakers.
Certificate
Not necessarily competitive but achievement-based.
Participants receive a certificate after completing the workshop.
Award
Can include trophies, titles, or monetary gifts.
The athlete won a gold medal, an award for his exceptional performance.
Certificate
Serves as a stepping stone for further education or careers.
The certificate program offered a pathway to higher education.
Award
An award, sometimes called a distinction, is something given to a recipient as a token of recognition of excellence in a certain field. When the token is a medal, ribbon or other item designed for wearing, it is known as a decoration.
Certificate
A document establishing the authenticity of certain details of an item, event, or transaction
A certificate of birth.
Award
To grant as merited or due
Awarded prizes to the winners.
Certificate
A document issued to a person completing a course of study not leading to a diploma.
Award
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Certificate
A document certifying that a person may officially practice in certain professions.
Award
Something awarded or granted, as for merit.
Certificate
A document certifying ownership.
Award
An amount or other benefit granted as legally due.
Certificate
To furnish with, testify to, or authorize by a certificate.
Award
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
Certificate
A document containing a certified statement.
Award
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Certificate
A document evidencing ownership or debt.
Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
Certificate
(education) A document serving as evidence that a person has completed an educational course, issued either by an institution not authorised to grant diplomas, or to a student not qualifying for a diploma.
Award
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
Certificate
(computing theory) The information needed in order to verify a positive answer to a problem.
Award
(intransitive) To determine; to make or grant an award.
Certificate
(computing) public key certificate
Award
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
Certificate
A motion picture age rating.
The film is certificate 15.
Award
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Certificate
To supply with a certificate, especially following certification.
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case.
The arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant
Certificate
A written testimony to the truth of any fact; as, certificate of good behavior.
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant.
To reviewThe wrongful sentence, and award a new.
Certificate
A written declaration legally authenticated.
Award
To determine; to make an award.
Certificate
To verify or vouch for by certificate.
Award
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
Certificate
To furnish with a certificate; as, to certificate the captain of a vessel; a certificated teacher.
Award
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Certificate
A document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
Award
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
Certificate
A formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends;
He held several valuable securities
Award
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Certificate
Present someone with a certificate
Award
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
Certificate
Authorize by certificate
Award
Give, especially as a reward;
Bestow honors and prizes at graduation
Award
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
Award
Bestow an honor upon
Common Curiosities
Can an award also come with a certificate?
Yes, recipients of an award may also receive a certificate as part of the recognition, documenting their achievement.
Do certificates always lead to professional opportunities?
While certificates can open doors to new opportunities, their impact varies based on the field, the specific certificate, and the job market.
What motivates organizations to give awards?
Organizations may give awards to recognize excellence, encourage competition, and highlight outstanding contributions in a field.
Is an award always for individual achievements?
Awards can be given to individuals or groups, depending on the criteria and nature of the competition or recognition.
Can anyone earn a certificate?
Anyone who meets the criteria and successfully completes the necessary coursework or examination can earn a certificate.
Which is more valuable, an award or a certificate?
Value depends on context; awards can enhance reputation and status, while certificates verify qualifications and skills.
How should one choose between pursuing an award or a certificate?
The choice should be based on personal or professional goals: awards for recognition and prestige, and certificates for verifying skills or knowledge.
How does one typically receive an award?
Awards are typically received through a nomination and selection process, often involving competition or judgment of merit.
Can the criteria for awards and certificates change over time?
Yes, criteria for both can evolve based on industry standards, technological advancements, and societal values.
How do employers view awards and certificates?
Employers value both, seeing awards as evidence of excellence and distinction, and certificates as proof of specific skills or knowledge.
Are there digital certificates and awards?
Yes, with the rise of online platforms, digital certificates and awards are increasingly common for virtual courses, competitions, and recognitions.
Are certificates recognized internationally?
Some certificates, especially those from accredited and reputable institutions, are recognized internationally, but recognition can vary.
Can a certificate be a form of an award?
While certificates primarily verify completion or proficiency, they can be seen as an award if they recognize a high level of achievement.
Do awards or certificates have a greater impact on a resume?
Both can positively impact a resume; awards showcase recognition of excellence, while certificates demonstrate specific qualifications.
Can the lack of awards or certificates hinder professional growth?
While not having them can limit some opportunities, skills, experience, and the ability to learn and adapt are also critical for professional growth.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
