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For open source hardware, the general-purpose certification route documented for May 2024 is the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) Certification Program. It is a self-certification and registry process—not a government approval or lab test. OSHWA certification signals that a project’s open-hardware definition and documentation meet the community’s requirements; a separate hardware license sets the legal terms for reuse and sharing.
What OSHWA certification means
OSHWA, a nonprofit organization, operates the certification program. A certified project receives a unique ID and permission to use the OSHWA certification logo. The mark helps users identify projects that meet OSHWA’s community definition of open source hardware; it does not certify product safety, performance, or regulatory compliance. OSHWA’s certification requirements state that “Any producer may self-certify at any time that their products meet the requirements for an Open Source Hardware Association Certification.”
Certification relies on the producer’s representations, project registration, and community oversight. OSHWA identifies community reports as the primary way it detects violations and says it can investigate and impose penalties for persistent violations.
How to certify an open hardware project
- Prepare the design files and documentation. Make the original design files easy to find from the product or its documentation. Clearly state which parts of the project are open source and which are not. OSHWA’s open source hardware definition and certification requirements describe the expectations.
- Choose an appropriate hardware license. Apply an open-source license to the hardware intellectual property covered by the project. The license determines the permissions and sharing conditions for people who use or adapt the designs.
- Check software needed to operate the hardware. Any software necessary for operation must use an OSI-approved license. If the project has no software, no software license is required. See OSHWA’s requirements.
- Review creator and third-party contributions. Contributions controlled by the creator must be open. A proprietary component outside the creator’s control does not have to be opened, though OSHWA prefers open components where possible. Identify open and closed portions clearly.
- Sign the mark agreement and register the product. Submit OSHWA’s certification mark license agreement, register each unique product, and provide links to relevant documentation. The requirements are set out on the OSHWA certification page.
- Label the physical hardware. Put a version number or release date on the hardware so users can match it to the corresponding design files.
- Reaffirm compliance annually. Certification is not a one-time filing: producers must reaffirm that the registered product continues to meet the requirements each year.
OSHWA certification versus hardware licenses
CERN OHL, Solderpad, and TAPR are licenses, not alternative certification programs. OSHWA lists them among its recommended hardware licenses. Certification and licensing answer different questions: certification concerns whether a project follows OSHWA’s open-hardware definition and documentation expectations; the license governs downstream use, modification, and sharing.
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#1 Best Overall
ESP32 Development Board Max V1.0 Compatible with Arduino, USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroPython Compatible, Single Board Computer Suitable for Building Mini PC/Smart Robot/Game Console (QA009)
- 【ACEBOTT ESP32 Development Board】 - Powerful WiFi and wireless development board, driven by the rugged ESP 32 module, seamlessly integrated with Arduino IDE. With Hall sensors, high-speed SDIO/SPI, UART, I2S and I2C, it is the cornerstone of IoT and smart home innovation.
- 【Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Arduino Cloud Compatibility】 - This board uses 2.4GHz dual-mode WiFi and wireless chips with low-power technology, which are RoHS-compliant, simplifying wireless communication and allowing you to easily connect devices and platforms. Whether you are using a compatible Arduino IDE or exploring other development environments, our board can easily adapt to your needs.
- 【Improved and Professional Edition】 - All IO pins are brought out for easy development; no additional breadboard is required; the Type-C interface is equipped with electrostatic discharge protection diodes and transient voltage suppression diodes to protect the chip from damage by electrostatic breakdown and various surge pulses. In addition, it is equipped with a freeRTOS operating system, which is very suitable for the Internet of Things, smart homes, and building smart robots/game consoles.
- 【Easy to Use】- The ACEBOTT ESP-32 Development Board includes everything you need to support the microcontroller. Just connect it to a computer via a USB cable or use an AC-DC adapter or battery to power it to start using it. Whether you are an experienced developer or a hobbyist, this development board can provide you with the tools you need for unlimited innovation.
- 【 Install Plugins And Download Drivers】: This ESP32 development board includes detailed instructions on how to download plugins and all necessary programs and codes from the network environment. The path is: ACEBOTT official website - Resources - WIKI.
| Choice | What it does | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| OSHWA Certification | Registers a project as meeting OSHWA’s requirements and permits use of its certification logo. | Self-certification with documentation, product registration, a mark agreement, and annual reaffirmation; it is not a license. |
| CERN-OHL-P-2.0 | Hardware license listed by OSHWA. | Permissive reciprocity choice. |
| CERN-OHL-W-2.0 | Hardware license listed by OSHWA. | Weakly reciprocal choice. |
| CERN-OHL-S-2.0 | Hardware license listed by OSHWA. | Strongly reciprocal choice. |
| Solderpad or TAPR | Hardware licenses listed by OSHWA. | License options, not certification marks; compare each license’s terms before selecting one. |
CERN describes version 2 of its Open Hardware Licence as a legal tool supporting the freedom to use, study, modify, share, and distribute hardware designs and products based on them. The three v2 variants differ in reciprocity: P is permissive, W weakly reciprocal, and S strongly reciprocal. See CERN’s CERN OHL homepage and OSHWA’s recommended license list.
What to check before applying
- Can users readily find the original design files and supporting documentation?
- Does the project clearly distinguish open portions from closed portions?
- Are creator-controlled hardware contributions covered by an open-source license?
- Does software required for operation use an OSI-approved license, if applicable?
- Are out-of-control third-party proprietary components identified rather than presented as open?
- Can users match the physical product’s version or release date to its design files?
- Have you allowed for registration of each unique product and annual reaffirmation?
- Does the selected hardware license’s reciprocity match the project’s goals?
What the certification does not establish
OSHWA certification is not a substitute for product testing, safety certification, or regulatory approval. It documents a project’s alignment with an open-hardware definition and related requirements. The reviewed official material does not establish a reliable certification total or market-size figure for May 2024, so a specific adoption count should not be inferred.
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Best Value
ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Super Starter Kit with PDF Tutorial for Beginners
- TURN CODE INTO REAL-WORLD RESULTS — Follow 22+ guided lessons to make LEDs blink, read temperature and distance, move servo and stepper motors, control an LCD and respond to joystick or IR input; ideal for a family weekend build, homeschool unit, coding club or STEM classroom
- MORE PROJECT VARIETY IN ONE ORGANIZED KIT — Includes the UNO R3 controller, LCD1602 with pre-soldered header, breadboard power module, ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors, joystick, IR receiver and remote, SG90 servo, stepper motor, relay, DC motor, fan blade, displays, LEDs, buttons, resistors and jumper wires
- START WITHOUT SOLDERING — Plug-in modules, a solderless breadboard and the pre-soldered LCD help beginners focus on wiring, code and testing; the illustrated component list makes it easier to find each part and move from one lesson to the next
- LEARN THE LOGIC, THEN CREATE YOUR OWN — Use Arduino IDE and the included example code to understand digital input and output, analog sensing, timing, motor control and display functions, then change thresholds, speeds and sequences for alarms, environmental monitors, reaction games and motion projects
- CLEAR SETUP SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUILDERS — Download the latest tutorial and code, select the UNO board and correct computer port, check component polarity and breadboard rows, and keep power-module input at 9V or below; younger learners should work with an experienced adult
Rank #4
ELEGOO UNO R3 Microcontroller Board ATmega328P+ATmega16U2 with USB Cable
- START CODING WITH THE ELEGOO UNO R3: Connect the included USB cable, upload your first sketch, and build sensor, motor, display, and automation projects, making it a practical controller for maker desks, classrooms, coding clubs, and robotics labs
- ATMEGA328P CORE FOR EVERYDAY PROJECTS: A 16 MHz clock, 32 KB flash, 14 digital I/O pins with 6 PWM outputs and 6 analog inputs provide a versatile foundation for LEDs, buttons, relays, servos, displays and sensors
- RELIABLE USB PROGRAMMING AND CLEAR WIRING: The ATmega16U2 USB interface supports sketch uploads and serial communication, while clearly labeled headers help simplify connections to jumper wires, shields and modules
- POWER AND EXPAND YOUR WAY: Run the board from USB or a recommended 7-12 V external supply, then add compatible shields and modules for data logging, automation, robotics, test fixtures and custom electronics projects
- BOARD AND USB CABLE INCLUDED: Comes with 1 ELEGOO UNO R3 development board and 1 USB-A to USB-B data cable; breadboard, sensors, shields and power adapter are not included, and younger learners should work with an experienced adult
Rank #3
ELEGOO ESP-32 Super Starter Kit with Tutorial Compatible with Arduino IDE
- Powerful ESP-32 Board: Unlock the world of Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced electronics with the heart of this kit: the ESP-32 board. It features a powerful dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making it perfect for building connected, smart devices that communicate with your phone or the cloud. It's fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for easy programming.
- Super Starter Kit: This kit contains over 35 different modules and electronic components, including sensors, displays, motors, and input devices. From LEDs and buttons to an OLED screen, servo motor, and keypad, you have everything needed to explore a vast range of projects in one box.
- Step by Step Online Tutorial: Jump right in with our detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial. Access 30+ projects with complete code, clear circuit diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. Learn the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and how to utilize the ESP-32's unique capabilities without any prior experience.
- Hands-on Learning for All Skill Levels: Perfect for students, makers, engineers, and hobbyists. Start with basic circuits and coding, then progress to intermediate and advanced IoT applications. Build practical projects like weather stations, smart home controllers, remote-controlled devices, and interactive gadgets. The skills you learn are the foundation for real-world innovation.
- Quality & Great Support: Elegoo is committed to quality. We provide a clear, detailed tutorial guide, refined code, and a well-organized component kit. All modules are carefully selected for reliability and ease of use. Our dedicated technical support team and active online community are ready to help you succeed in your learning journey.
Rank #2
ESP-WROOM-32 ESP32 ESP-32S Development Board 2.4GHz Dual-Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Dual Cores Microcontroller Processor Integrated with Antenna RF AMP Filter AP STA Compatible with Arduino IDE (3PCS)
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
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