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# Certification object

> Lists the contents of a certification object.

This page describes the `certification` object, which represents a business certification or designation. Certifications include federal programs like SBA certifications and self-certified designations that businesses may hold.

**`Example JSON response`**

```json title="Example JSON response"
{
  "object": "certification",
  "id": "f074244d-5cf3-4703-950a-73a7d54ee555",
  "business_id": "b3638510-87ec-425e-bdaa-ad6e48dec871",
  "name": "8(a) Business Development Program",
  "key": "sba_8a",
  "certification_type": "federal",
  "certification_id": "12345-ABC",
  "entrance_date": "2022-01-15T00:00:00Z",
  "exit_date": "2031-01-15T00:00:00Z",
  "external_sources": [
    {
      "organization": "Small Business Administration",
      "link": "https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program"
    }
  ],
  "created_at": "2024-01-30T23:49:01.100Z",
  "updated_at": "2024-01-30T23:49:01.100Z"
}
```

## Certification attributes

| Attribute                         | Type              | Description                                                                 |
| --------------------------------- | ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `object`                          | string            | The object type. Always `certification`.                                    |
| `id`                              | string (uuid)     | The unique identifier for the certification record.                         |
| `business_id`                     | string (uuid)     | The unique identifier of the associated business.                           |
| `name`                            | string            | The name of the certification program.                                      |
| `key`                             | string            | A unique key identifier for the certification type.                         |
| `certification_type`              | string            | The type of certification. Possible values: `federal`, `self_certified`.    |
| `certification_id`                | string \| null    | The official certification ID or number if available.                       |
| `entrance_date`                   | timestamp \| null | The date the business entered the certification program.                    |
| `exit_date`                       | timestamp \| null | The date the certification expires or the business exits the program.       |
| `external_sources`                | object\[]         | An array of external sources with more information about the certification. |
| `external_sources[].organization` | string            | The name of the certifying organization.                                    |
| `external_sources[].link`         | string            | A URL to more information about the certification.                          |
| `created_at`                      | timestamp         | The timestamp when the certification record was created.                    |
| `updated_at`                      | timestamp         | The timestamp when the certification record was last updated.               |

## Certification types

| Type             | Description                                                                        |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `federal`        | A certification issued by a federal government agency, such as SBA certifications. |
| `self_certified` | A certification based on the business's self-reported designation.                 |

## Common federal certifications

| Certification             | Description                                                              |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| 8(a) Business Development | SBA program for small disadvantaged businesses.                          |
| HUBZone                   | SBA program for businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones. |
| WOSB/EDWOSB               | Women-Owned Small Business and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB programs. |
| SDVOSB                    | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification.             |
| MBE                       | Minority Business Enterprise certification.                              |
| DBE                       | Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification.                         |

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