Have you ever asked yourself what the differences between certification and a certificate program are?

 

Certificate programs (under implementation and/or discussion in the different AO clinical divisions and/or regions)

The primary purpose of an assessment-based certificate program is to provide education and training. This training supports the accomplishment of intended learning outcomes. The certificate endorses that the learner has completed the required education and demonstrated accomplishment of the intended learning outcomes verified through validated assessment tools. Certificates can be for life time or valid for a pre-defined period of time after which they lapse and the individual has to recertify.

 

Certification (not pursued by the AO)

The primary purpose of professional or personnel certification (or credentialing) is to assess that an individual or institution has met predetermined standards of knowledge, skill, or competency. For example, a professional association can provide certification to individual practitioners in a particular specialty area, indicating that the individuals (or institutions) have met the association’s predetermined standards.

 

Certification is a voluntary process, and participants that demonstrate they meet the required standards by successfully completing the assessment process are granted a time-limited credential. To retain the credential, the individual must maintain continued competence by continuing to engage in specified activities designed to measure or enhance this competence. When meeting these standards, the individual becomes “certified” or “licensed”.

 

Institutions and educational programs can also be measured against certain standards by a review of written information, self-studies, site visits to education providers, and thoughtful consideration of the findings by a review committee. When meeting these standards, the institution or program becomes “accredited”.