n. & v.
n. a formal document attesting a fact, esp. birth, marriage, or death, a medical condition, a level of achievement, a fulfilment of requirements, ownership of shares, etc.
v.tr. (esp. as certificated adj.) provide with or license or attest by a certificate. Certificate of Secondary Education hist. 1 an examination set for secondary-school pupils in England and Wales. 2 the certificate gained by passing it. °Replaced in 1988 by the General Certificate of Secondary Education. certification n.
[ F certificat or med.L certificatum f. certificare: see CERTIFY ]