A Google Certified Publishing Partner is a program through which Google certifies certain publishers (those trying to sell their ad space) and to whom Google refers newer, smaller publishers who want to make sure they are getting the most income in return for ads placed in their ad space. Google says: "The Certified Publishing Partners badge lets you know you’re working with someone who has been carefully vetted by Google. Not only have they passed Google’s product certification exams, but they’ve also established a successful track record of helping publishers like you succeed." (To be taken with a few grains of salt.)
