It is important for healthcare professionals to understand the difference between what the terms certificate and certification mean to them when seeking continuing education opportunities and validation of their knowledge, skills, and competencies in any one particular field of study or practice. This page seeks to define the difference between a certificate of attendance, an assessment–based certificate program, and certification, the latter two reflecting the definitions of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
Certificate of Attendance:
A certificate of attendance is awarded to a participant who has attended classes, courses, conferences, or other kinds of educational events either online or in person, where they have not been required to demonstrate that they have met the learning objectives through a test or any other form of assessment. The certificate indicates that the participant was present or may have participated during the delivery of the education but has not been required to demonstrate the achievement of defined learning outcomes.
Assessment-Based Certificate Program:
An assessment-based certificate, where the focus is on providing training and education, is awarded following the completion of a non-degree education program that assists participants in acquiring specific knowledge, skills, and/or competencies associated with intended learning outcomes. The achievement of the learning outcomes is measured by a recognized method of assessment that has a predetermined standard of success. Certificate holders are not awarded an acronym or letters for use after their names upon completion of the program. However, they are entitled to state that they have a Certificate in XYZ which implies a level of mastery of the knowledge, skills, and competencies of the subject area studied. An assessment-based certificate does not lapse or expire at the end of a predetermined time. Only those participants who meet the performance, proficiency, or passing standard for the assessment(s) are awarded the certificate.
Academic or Board Certification:
The focus of certification is on the independent assessment of individuals against predetermined standards of knowledge, skills, and/or competencies rather than demonstrating achievement of specific learning outcomes associated with a particular training and education program. Professional or personal certification is a voluntary process, with those who are successful in the process being awarded a time-limited credential. Candidates are required to demonstrate they have met specific criteria before they are eligible to sit the certification examination. The assessment is conducted in a secure, proctored environment, with successful participants entitled to state they are certified in XYZ and use a designated acronym or letters after their name. In order to maintain the credential, candidates are required to fulfill specific practice requirements to maintain their competence which must be demonstrated to maintain the credential after a specified time period.
PORi-Certification
Once therapists have met the requirements to be PORi-Certified, we will designate them a PORi-Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist or Specialist. This is not a certification awarded by an independent academic or legislatively established body. We do not convey any letters behind your name and you should always refer to your PORi designation as "PORi-Certified".
