noun
authorized textbook; approved textbook
A textbook that has passed official screening by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and is approved for use in Japanese schools.
日本の小中学校では、検定教科書が使われている。
In Japanese elementary and junior high schools, authorized textbooks are used.
教科書 is a general term for any textbook, while 検定教科書 specifically refers to those that have passed government screening.
A more formal, full-length term for the same concept, often seen in official contexts.
Compound of 検定 (kentei, 'official approval') and 教科書 (kyōkasho, 'textbook').