Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
RIAA certification
open-in-new
<p>In the United States, the <a href="/facts/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America/8a7K0Ubf">Recording Industry Association of America</a> (RIAA) operates an awards program based on the certified number of <a href="/facts/Album/C3kkyHHT">albums</a> and <a href="/facts/Single_(music)/xkeLPy2P">singles</a> sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards (see <a href="/facts/Music_recording_certification/zGzLFa9l">music recording certification</a>). Certification is not automatic; for an award to be made, the <a href="/facts/Record_label/rcrpGvM4">record label</a> must first request certification. The audit is conducted against net shipments after returns (most often an artist's royalty statement is used), which includes albums sold directly to retailers and one-stops, direct-to-consumer sales (music clubs and <a href="/facts/Mail_order/CoB6wa7N">mail order</a>) and other outlets. </p>