8(a) certification is a designation from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that qualifies eligible small businesses for the 8(a) Business Development Program. The program helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts. Certified firms can access sole-source awards, set-aside contracts, and specialized SBA support for up to nine years.

Businesses apply for 8(a) certification through certifications.sba.gov after confirming eligibility, identifying their primary NAICS code, and registering in the System for Award Management (SAM).

To qualify, a business must be a small business under SBA size standards and be at least 51% owned and unconditionally controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens of good character. The business must also show the potential for success, typically demonstrated through operating history and financial capacity. The SBA reviews each application against these criteria before granting certification.