noun
certification exam; qualification test
A formal test to certify a skill or qualification, often used in professional or academic contexts.
来月、日本語能力の認定試験を受ける予定です。
I plan to take the Japanese proficiency certification exam next month.
この資格を取るには、認定試験に合格しなければなりません。
To obtain this qualification, you must pass the certification exam.
資格試験 is a broader term for any qualification exam, while 認定試験 often implies official certification by an authorized body.
Compound of 認定 (にんてい, 'certification') and 試験 (しけん, 'examination').