how to set up a user field that the only the administrator can access? I would like to have a STATUS field for certified and uncertified for all users under a certain role preferably, but it could be for all users 

how would i go about implementing this?  thanks!
You can use the Field Permissions module:


  The Field Permissions module allows site administrators to set field-level permissions to edit, view and create fields on any entity.


Once installed you'll be able to set CRUD permissions on each field's settings form.