The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines the word credential as, "something that gives title to a credit or confidence; also: qualification." If you were to look up the word credential on Wikipedia you would find the following definition: "A credential is an attestation of qualification, competence, or authority issued to an individual by a third party with a relevant or de facto authority or assumed competence to do so."

You hear the word credential or credentials thrown around all the time. Etobicoke real estate agents list their credentials when it comes to selling you on them while trying to get you to hire them as your real estate agent. Condos in downtown Toronto list credentials in terms of features they have in their condo buildings that put them above and beyond any other condo buildings in the area. Teachers with PhDs will list that on their resume when looking for a new teaching job.

Wherever you go, you will see credentials for people or businesses. Credentials are a very important part of our everyday lives. Whether they have to do with Richmond Hill real estate agents marketing themselves, companies trying to sell products or services, or journalists writing a story, credentials matter.
Would you buy computer anti-virus software from a company who didn't have any credentials or accolades over one who did? Probably not, right? Just like you wouldn't hire a real estate agent to take you to Mississauga listings if they didn't have the proper credentials. Be they diplomas, certifications, security clearances, passwords, or scientific journals, credentials are important and matter a great deal.

You always want to be secure with whomever you are dealing with and want to be dealing with the best of the best. A company voted the best in its field for three years running has some pretty serious credentials. A journalist who writes for the New York Times will have credentials that journalists who don't write for the New York Times won't have. Toronto real estate agents without certain credentials or certificates they got for special training won't be able to snag clients that real estate agents with special credentials can on a regular basis.

Whatever the situation, if an individual or a business can't provide any credentials then they won't be trusted as much as those who can. A company or individual who can back their work up with credentials will be able to stick around for a very long time.