writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

authorize by certificate

present someone with a certificate

guarantee as meeting a certain standard

state approval of the articles of incorporation of a corporation

a copy of the official document giving details of a person's birth

a document certifying the successful completion of a course of study

an official document issued by a government and conferring on the recipient the rank of an officer in the armed forces

a certificate saying that a departing ship's company is healthy (to be presented at the next port of arrival)