Standard for Fire Service Professional Qualifcations Accreditation and Certifcation Systems

3.2.4 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
3.2.5 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards development activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.
3.3 General Defnitions.
3.3.1 Accredit. To give offcial authorization to or to approve a process or procedure to recognize as conforming to specifc criteria, and to recognize an entity as maintaining standards appropriate to the provision of its services.
3.3.2 Accrediting Body. A voluntary, nongovernmental association that administers accrediting procedures for entities that certify individuals to fre service professional qualifcations standards, or programs granting degrees in nonengineering fre/emergency services–related felds.
3.3.3 Certifcation. An authoritative attestation; the issuance of a document that states that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to function in a particular fre service professional feld.
3.3.4 Certifying Entity. An organization that is accredited to award certifcation to individuals.
3.3.5 Degree. A formal recognition of completion of a prescribed program of study at the postsecondary level.
3.3.6 Degree-Granting Entity. An accredited institution of postsecondary education that is authorized to award degrees.