It is important to note that certifications are usually earned from a professional society or educational institute, not the government.  If a demonstration of ability or knowledge is required ''by law'' before being allowed to perform a task or job, this is referred to as [[licensure]].  In the United States, professional licenses are usually issued by state agencies.  The certification assessment process, for some organizations, is very similar or even the same as licensure and may differ only in terms of legal status, while in other organizations, can be quite different and more comprehensive than that of licensure. certification and licensure differ only in terms of legal status.

It is important to note that certifications are usually earned from a professional society or educational institute, not the government.  If a demonstration of ability or knowledge is required ''by law'' before being allowed to perform a task or job, this is referred to as [[licensure]].  In the United States, professional licenses are usually issued by state agencies.  The certification assessment process, for some organizations, is very similar or even the same as licensure and may differ only in terms of legal status, while in other organizations, can be quite different and more comprehensive than that of licensure. certification and licensure differ only in terms of legal status.

Certifications are very common in aviation, construction, technology, environment, and other industrial sectors, as well as [[health care]], business and finance.  In USA, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates aviator certifications.

Certifications are very common in aviation, construction, technology, environment, and other industrial sectors, as well as health care, business and finance.  In USA, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates aviator certifications.

The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) is a US-based organization that helps certification bodies, primarily in [[health care]] and related fields, by providing them with information on the latest trends and issues of concern to practitioners and organizations focused on certification, obtaining licenses, and human resource development.  Many members of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) are also certification organizations.

The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) is a US-based organization that helps certification bodies, primarily in health care and related fields, by providing them with information on the latest trends and issues of concern to practitioners and organizations focused on certification, obtaining licenses, and human resource development.  Many members of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) are also certification organizations.

== Types of certifications==

== Types of certifications==