Certification--the process by which an individual, institution, or educational program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards through successful completion of a validated, reliable examination.

Certification is typically awarded by a national professional organization.


Licensure--granting of permission by a competent authority to an organization or individual to engage in a practice or activity that would otherwise be illegal.  Such permission is granted only when the entity or individual successfully demonstrates or documents the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the practice or activity for which the licensure is being sought.

Licensure is typically granted by a state governmental agency.