What is the difference between teacher license and certification?

The terms "teacher license" and "teacher certification" are often used interchangeably, and in many places, they mean essentially the same thing: official authorization granted by a state or other governing body allowing an individual to teach in public schools. However, there can be subtle differences:

* Certification often refers to the *process* of meeting the requirements (education, testing, etc.) to become eligible for a license. You *earn* certification, which then *qualifies* you for a license.

* License is the *actual document* or official record that grants you permission to teach. It's the tangible outcome of successful certification. You *receive* a license after completing the certification process.

Think of it like a driver's license: You go through the process of driver's *certification* (passing the written and driving tests), and then you *receive* your driver's *license*.

In short, the distinction is often blurred, but certification is the process, and the license is the result. The specific terminology may vary slightly by state or country.