Access certification is a critical cybersecurity process within Identity & Access Management (IAM) that systematically reviews and validates user access rights to systems, applications, and sensitive data. This formal security procedure ensures that employees, contractors, and partners maintain only the permissions necessary for their current roles, enforcing the principle of least privilege. Organizations typically conduct access certifications on a recurring basis, with business owners or managers formally attesting to, modifying, or revoking user entitlements based on operational needs and security policies.

The primary goal of access certification is to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access, excessive privileges, and "privilege creep"—where access accumulates beyond legitimate requirements over time. By rigorously reviewing who has access to what resources, organizations strengthen their security posture, enhance governance, ensure regulatory compliance, and establish an auditable trail of all access decisions. This process is fundamental to safeguarding critical assets and preventing potential data breaches or insider threats.