A credential is a document, qualification, or piece of evidence that proves someone’s identity, skills, or authority.
From Medieval Latin “credentialis,” from “credentia” (belief, trust), related to “credere” (to believe). The word is built on the idea of something that makes others believe in you.
A credential is basically a physical form of trust: a diploma, ID card, or badge that says ‘you can believe this about me.’ The root ‘cred-’ also appears in ‘credit’ and ‘creed,’ all orbiting around belief and trustworthiness.
Access to credentials such as degrees, licenses, and titles has historically been restricted by gender, with women and non-male individuals often excluded from formal education and professional recognition. This shaped who could hold and display certain credentials.
Use “credential” neutrally, and be mindful that lack of formal credentials may reflect structural barriers rather than lack of ability. Avoid assuming that people of any gender are less qualified because their credentials differ from traditional norms.
["qualification","certificate","license"]
When discussing credentialing systems, acknowledge how women and marginalized groups fought for access to education and professional accreditation and how informal expertise has often gone unrecognized.
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