noun
credential
Evidence establishing identity, qualification, or authority.
Her teaching credential qualifies her to work in public schools.
Etymology
Latin credere means to believe or trust. A credential supplies a reason for that trust, establishing that people have the identity, standing, or authority they claim.
More examples
- Enter your login credentials to access your account.
- Reporters show their credentials before entering the press room.
- The hiring manager checks each applicant's academic credentials.
Forms
credential · credentials
credentialed adjective — Having recognized qualifications for particular work.
Similar words
- qualification
- Emphasizes ability or training rather than evidence proving it.
- identification
- Specifically establishes identity, not necessarily professional qualifications or authority.
- certification
- Officially confirms that someone meets a defined professional standard.