Certifications are usually earned from a professional society or educational institute, not the government. However, a government agency can decree a certification is required by law for a person to be allowed to perform a task or job.
When The Vampire Diaries premiered on The CW Television Network, on September 10, 2009, it attracted the largest audience of any series since the network began in 2006.
However, it could be the Christmas hiatus for the series. Reign has done well following The Vampire Diaries on Thursday night, but The Originals will return for Season 3 and reclaim the Thursday night time slot. Season 3 of Reign will air on Friday nights. There are some big changes ahead on Reign as well.