noun (n)

• the act of certifying or bestowing a franchise on(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  enfranchisement
  Antonym:
  disenfranchisement
  

  source: wordnet30
• confirmation that some fact or statement is true through the use of documentary evidence(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  corroboration, documentation
  

  source: wordnet30
• a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  certificate, credential, credentials
  

  source: wordnet30
• validating the authenticity of something or someone(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  authentication
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act of certifying.(noun)

  source: webster1913