Credential
/krəˈdɛnʃəl/noun
A document or qualification that proves a person's identity, authority, or competence.
Did you know?Credential comes through Medieval Latin from the same root as “creed,” so the idea behind it is basically an official statement of belief or trust.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
credere
“to believe, trust”
Late Latin
Late Latin
credentialis
“pertaining to belief or recommendation”
Medieval Latin
Latin
credentialis / credentiale
“a letter or document giving authority or proof of trustworthiness”
16th Century
English
credential
“a document that establishes authority or identity”
Modern English
English
credential
“a qualification or piece of evidence showing competence or authority”