Credential vs. Certificate
Difference between Credential and Certificate: – These two words can be highly confusing to many, not only because they sound alike, but because they are often used to refer to the same thing. Both refer to something that can be used to witness or test a person’s qualification level. However, it is important to clarify that these two terms are not synonymous; in fact, there are subtle differences in their definitions.
Difference between Credential and Certificate
If you, like many, you also have doubts about what the difference between certificate and credential or you are simply looking for a little more information that complements what you already know; then continue reading, because below we explain everything you need to know about this interesting topic.
Credential
Technically speaking, the term credential can be used synonymously with license, certification, accreditation and certificate. In a more general sense, credentials are statements made by a third party about the identity of a particular individual.
Some examples of credentials are: academic diplomas, academic degrees, identification documents, social security number, and keys, among others.
From the above examples, it is clear that credentials are anything that can be used to prove a fact about a person’s identity. For example, the identity card can be a credential because it can be used to check a person’s true address, name and age.
Certificate
On the other hand, a certificate is a document that proves that a person is capable, has the ability or is qualified to perform a task. Usually, people need to participate in some course or take a test in order to get a certificate. The latter is only provided if they demonstrate that they have what they need and can do what is required.
The course or test is usually reputed by some institution, school or company with a standard known by the population. The better the reputation of the institution, the more value the certificate acquires.
Finally, unlike the credentials that focus more on proving the identity of the individual, the certificates give account of the abilities and abilities that said individual possesses. There are things like driver’s licenses that can be used as a credential and also as a certificate; since in addition to including all the data of the person, certifies that it is qualified to drive.
