Certification
Definition
Some certifications are national and private, such as the Board of Certification's credential for athletic trainers or NSCA's for strength coaches. A few states also use the word for a state credential that is weaker than a license.
How each profession uses it
- Athletic trainer
BOC certification is the national credential; most states also require a state license, which BOC certification helps you obtain.
- Strength and conditioning specialist
Certification by NSCA is the credential itself; no state licenses strength and conditioning coaches.
The common mistake
Related terms
Definitions here are general. They do not say what any profession may do in any state; that is set by each state’s law. Back to the full glossary