Certifications or professional designations are earned from a certification body or from a government recognized body, for some specific certifications. Certifications are issued by the government, independent body, or by a vendor. Generally, certifications must be renewed annually and are only valid for a short period of time.
Top certification bodies are independently recognized for their quality and training. Many certification bodies hold ISO 9001 or ISO 29990 certification.
Certifications in law and medicine are typically called Board Certification where a legal body or medical board of directors recognizes a persons qualifications and experience.