A certificate is a recognition given with the primary intent of acknowledging, documenting, registering, or publicizing a particular quality attained by its recipient or an achievement made. Certification can be made by governments or independent bodies, and they can acknowledge exceptional or routine qualities. Self-given certifications are generally not included.

The recognition documents a quality or achievement attributed to its recipient. That quality can be routine as well as exceptional, so certification need not imply victory over other candidates.

An award primarily confers praise or honor. A certificate primarily acknowledges or documents the qualifying achievement, even when receiving it is also an honor.