Which term describes an award or credential granted by a professional body signifying competence?

• A. Certification
• B. Accreditation
• C. Credential
• D. Licensure

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the type of award issued by a professional body to show someone has demonstrated competence in a specific area. Certification fits this description: it’s an credential granted by a professional organization after meeting established standards of knowledge and skill, often including an exam and ongoing education to maintain it.

This differs from accreditation, which evaluates and endorses the quality of a program or institution rather than an individual’s abilities. It’s broader than a credential, since a credential can refer to various forms of recognition, including degrees or licenses, not all of which come from a professional body to prove competence. Licensure, meanwhile, is typically a government-regulated authorization to practice a profession, not an award from a professional association.