Credential vs. Certificate — What's the Difference?

A credential is a piece of any document that details a qualification, competence, or authority issued to an individual by a third party with a relevant or de facto authority or assumed competence to do so. Examples of credentials include academic diplomas, academic degrees, certifications, security clearances, identification documents, badges, passwords, user names, keys, powers of attorney, and so on.

A document establishing the authenticity of certain details of an item, event, or transaction

That which entitles one to confidence, credit, or authority.

A document issued to a person completing a course of study not leading to a diploma.

Credentials Evidence or testimonials concerning one's right to credit, confidence, or authority

A document certifying that a person may officially practice in certain professions.

To supply with credentials

A document certifying ownership.

Pertaining to or serving as an introduction or recommendation (to someone).

To furnish with, testify to, or authorize by a certificate.

Documentary or electronic evidence that a person has certain status or privileges

A document containing a certified statement.

(informal) Evidence of skill or excellence.

A document evidencing ownership or debt.

To furnish with credentials

(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.

Giving a title or claim to credit or confidence; accrediting.

(computing theory) The information needed in order to verify a positive answer to a problem.

That which gives a title to credit or confidence.

(computing) public key certificate

Testimonials showing that a person is entitled to credit, or has right to exercise official power, as the letters given by a government to an ambassador or envoy, or a certificate that one is a duly elected delegate.

A motion picture age rating.

A document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts

To supply with a certificate, especially following certification.

A written testimony to the truth of any fact; as, certificate of good behavior.

A written declaration legally authenticated.

To verify or vouch for by certificate.

To furnish with a certificate; as, to certificate the captain of a vessel; a certificated teacher.

A document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts

A formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends;

Present someone with a certificate

Authorize by certificate