Korean Dictionary
How to say "Certificate" in Korean
“Certificate” in Korean is 자격증 (pronounced "Jagyeokjeung").
자격증
Jagyeokjeung
Usage & Context
Certificates (자격증) are extremely valued in Korean professional culture. Korean job seekers commonly obtain multiple 자격증, ranging from computer skills certifications (컴퓨터 활용능력) to language proficiency tests (TOEIC, JLPT) and trade licenses. Having relevant certificates significantly boosts resume competitiveness and employability in Korea's demanding job market.
Example Sentence
자격증이 있으면 취업이 쉬워져요.
Having a certificate makes it easier to get a job.
How to use 자격증 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Certificate” is 자격증, romanized as Jagyeokjeung.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 자격증.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '자' (ja), sounds like 'jah' as in 'jar'. The second syllable, '격' (gyeok), is like 'gyuk' as in 'yuk' but with a 'g' sound and a slightly tighter 'yeo' vowel, with an unreleased 'k' sound. The last syllable, '증' (jeung), sounds like 'jeung' as in 'jung' (like 'jungle' without the 'le').
More Example Sentences
Describing efforts to acquire a specific skill certificate.
컴퓨터 활용능력 자격증을 따려고 학원에 다녀요.
I'm attending an academy to get a computer proficiency certificate.
Explaining the benefits of a certificate for international careers.
이 자격증이 있으면 해외 취업에 유리해요.
Having this certificate is advantageous for overseas employment.
Stating the importance of a common, necessary certificate.
요즘은 운전면허 자격증이 필수예요.
These days, a driver's license is essential.
Cultural Context
In Korea, '자격증' (jagyeokjeung) holds immense value in both academic and professional spheres. It's common for job seekers to acquire multiple certificates, ranging from computer proficiency (컴퓨터 활용능력) and language tests (like TOEIC or JLPT) to various trade licenses. These certificates are seen as tangible proof of skills and dedication, significantly boosting one's resume competitiveness in Korea's demanding job market. Many students attend specialized academies (학원) to prepare for certificate exams.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자격증 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
자격증을 따다
To obtain a certificate
국가기술 자격증
National technical certificate
자격증 시험
Certificate exam
Related Expressions
면허증
Myeonheojeung
License (e.g., driver's license)
수료증
Suryojeung
Certificate of completion
자격
Jagyeok
Qualification/Eligibility
시험
Siheom
Exam/Test (often taken to get a certificate)
More Education Words
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