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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
obtain a certification
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"obtain a certification" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe the process of achieving a particular certification or qualification. For example, "She has worked hard to obtain a certification in accounting."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(14)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
The court adopts Microsoft's proposal that the compliance officer distribute the decree and obtain a certification of understanding and compliance only from Microsoft's officers and directors.
News & Media
The rules, which went into effect at noon Tuesday, require airlines to obtain a certification from their aircraft and engine manufacturers that their planes can safely tolerate the higher ash levels.
News & Media
Telecommunications companies are exempt from liability under 18 U.S.C. 2511 2)(a)(ii), as long as they receive either a court order directing them to provide assistance or obtain a certification by the attorney general or his designee that no warrant or court order is required by law, that all statutory requirements have been met, and that the specified assistance is required.
News & Media
As an example, if an accelerator is looking for funding from the government, it needs to obtain a certification to show it is actually producing results.
News & Media
If you don't live in the USA, find out which association offers certification for health information professionals and obtain a certification from them.
Wiki
You will have to work a minimum number of hours as a trainee doing commercial appraisals before you can obtain a certification, and it's unlikely you will be hired to perform appraisals without being certified.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Lessons learned from the project have been reflected in the UTZ Certified's code of conduct – a set of guidelines for obtaining a certification for sustainable agriculture, with the aim of promoting better practices in other coffee producing countries.
News & Media
I obtained a certification in nutrition, volunteered at soup kitchens and challenged myself to eat mindfully, dine in public and savor the ice cream that triggered my first binge, one serving at a time.
News & Media
"How long is long enough?" Temporary immigrants who want green cards must obtain a Labor Department certification that no American workers are available for their jobs.
News & Media
While 1250 Broadway is poised to obtain a gold certification from the Green Building Council, Chelsea Market, a collection of 17 buildings cobbled together, is quite old and doesn't make a good candidate for certification, Ms. Kelley said.
News & Media
A majority of Norwegian GPs participate in these groups during their careers, either to obtain a specialist certification in general practice or to maintain the specialist competence.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always specify the field or area of expertise when discussing certifications (e.g., "obtain a certification in project management").
Common error
Remember that a "certification" is usually awarded by a professional organization, whereas a "certificate" can be awarded for completing a course or training program. Use the correct term to avoid misrepresenting your qualifications.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "obtain a certification" functions as a verb phrase, where "obtain" is the main verb and "a certification" is the direct object. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it signifies the act of acquiring a formal recognition of competence.
Frequent in
News & Media
32%
Wiki
25%
Science
22%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
6%
Social Media
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "obtain a certification" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the act of acquiring formal recognition in a specific field. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for professional and academic contexts. Its frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources like The New York Times and WikiHow, coupled with its clear meaning, make it a reliable and effective phrase. When writing about certifications, remember to use precise language, distinguishing between a "certification" and a "certificate" to avoid misunderstandings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
acquire a certification
Replaces "obtain" with "acquire", implying a slightly more formal tone.
gain certification
Uses "gain" as a more concise synonym for "obtain".
achieve certification
Emphasizes the accomplishment of gaining certification.
earn a certification
Focuses on the effort required to get the certification.
receive a certification
Highlights the act of being granted the certification.
get certified
Uses a more informal verb, "get", instead of "obtain".
secure a certification
Implies a competitive aspect to getting the certification.
complete a certification
Focuses on finishing the requirements for a certification.
pass a certification exam
Focuses on the specific act of passing an exam to get certified.
be certified
Shifts focus from the action of obtaining to the state of being certified.
FAQs
How can I use "obtain a certification" in a sentence?
You can use "obtain a certification" to describe the process of earning a professional credential, as in "She studied diligently to "obtain a certification" in accounting".
What can I say instead of "obtain a certification"?
You can use alternatives like "get certified", "acquire a certification", or "earn a certification" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "obtain a certification" or "get a certification"?
"Obtain a certification" is generally considered more formal, while "get a certification" is more casual. The best choice depends on the context and your audience.
What are some common fields where people "obtain certifications"?
People commonly "obtain certifications" in fields like project management, IT, healthcare, finance, and human resources, among many others.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested