Introduction

When validating academic or professional documents, it's important to understand that attestation and verification serve different purposes. While both are part of the authentication process, they involve distinct steps, authorities, and outcomes. Knowing how they differ can help ensure your documents meet the right requirements — whether for employment, education, or official recognition.

Attestation and verification are both crucial — but not interchangeable.

What is Attestation?

Attestation is a legalization process. Government bodies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassies place official stamps or seals on documents to confirm that they have been issued by recognized institutions and have passed through the proper legal channels.

But here’s the key detail:

Attestation does not verify the content of the document. It only authenticates the signature or seal and confirms that the document has followed a legitimate administrative path.

In short, attestation confirms the process — not the authenticity of the document.

What is Primary Source Verification (PSV)?

PSV is a comprehensive, content-level verification. At QuadraBay (QB), PSV means directly contacting the original issuing authority — for example, a university or educational board — to verify the authenticity of the certificate and its contents such as the dates of attendance, award date, area of study, and other details.

PSV is the gold standard because it goes to the issuing source to validate the authenticity of the certificate itself.

Attestation v. PSV

Here’s a crucial insight:

A fake certificate can be attested — but only PSV can uncover the truth.

Organizations that truly need to validate your qualifications — including ministries, licensing authorities, and immigration bodies — require PSV to confirm:

• Academic Authenticity

• Eligibility for Certificate Recognition

• Golden Visa Applications

• Professional Licensing
  

While attestation verifies the document's processing through the proper channels, it does not guarantee the accuracy of the information mentioned on the certificate.

The Bottom Line

Attestation proves the paper is official. PSV proves the paper is real.

If you're applying for professional recognition, higher education, or employment in regulated sectors, be sure you understand the distinction.

For trusted and accurate Primary Source Verification services in the Middle East, QuadraBay is here to help.

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