certificado
nounCEFR B1
What does “certificado” mean in English?
certificate
certificate (official document attesting to a qualification or competence level)
Example sentences
Al superar el examen, recibirás un certificado oficial emitido por el Instituto Cervantes que reconoce tu nivel de español en todo el mundo.
On passing the exam, you will receive an official certificate issued by the Instituto Cervantes that recognises your level of Spanish worldwide.
Para solicitar el puesto, la empresa exige un certificado de nivel B2 de inglés o una titulación universitaria cursada en inglés.
To apply for the post, the company requires a B2 level English certificate or a university degree taken in English.
Conseguí el certificado después de tres intentos, así que cuando lo recibí por correo me emocioné mucho más de lo que esperaba.
I got the certificate after three attempts, so when I received it by post I was much more moved than I expected.
How to use it
Certificado (masculine) as a noun means 'certificate' — an official document attesting to a qualification, level of competence, or completion of a course. At B1, it is common in discussions of language exams (certificado de nivel, certificado DELE) and professional qualifications. Key collocations: obtener/conseguir un certificado, certificado oficial, certificado de idiomas, certificado de nivel B2. The verb form certificar (to certify) is used when an institution formally attests to something. Certificado also functions as a past participle/adjective: correo certificado (registered post).
Common mistake
Don't confuse certificado (the document) with certificar (the verb: to certify) or acreditar (to accredit/prove officially). In language contexts, 'certification' in English translates as certificación (process) or certificado (the physical document). Also note: correo certificado is registered post — a completely different colocation that can confuse learners who see certificado in a postal context.