Certification vs. Licensure: What’s the Difference?
Depending on their profession, individuals can get two types of work authorization: a certificate or a license. Both certification and licensure are credentials that require accreditation from a governing body to be considered professional. These documents confirm that the person has fulfilled the professional credentials to become an expert in their specific field. In high-risk industries like education, businesses are legally required to have a license.
Certification and licensure are not interchangeable, especially in the fields of law, health, and journalism. Students' first major certificate is their high school diploma, which allows them to proceed with tertiary education. While some employment does not require a college diploma, having one will definitely boost career and job opportunities. Often, having two credentials or more emphasizes the owner's professional standards and evolving skills, even in cases of legal formality.
Certification and licensure are not interchangeable, especially in the fields of law, health, and journalism. Students' first major certificate is their high school diploma, which allows them to proceed with tertiary education. While some employment does not require a college diploma, having one will definitely boost career and job opportunities. Often, having two credentials or more emphasizes the owner's professional standards and evolving skills, even in cases of legal formality.
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What Is Certification?
Certification is derived from the Latin expression “certus facere” – to make something safe. As a matter of fact, certifications can be issued to humans, animals, businesses, and inanimate objects upon meeting predetermined qualifications. Accredited educational institution should assess and confirm that a person meets standards set by the international or local governing body. Certification is a legal document that verifies one’s competence in the field.
Not all certifications are lengthy. While it will take around eight years to become a physician, getting a CPR certification may take only a few hours a week online. Alternatively, trade certification is achieved through apprenticeship-focused programs for a skill or specific job, unlike a broader University degree. Foremost, professional certification is a written assurance of successful education completion.
Not all certifications are lengthy. While it will take around eight years to become a physician, getting a CPR certification may take only a few hours a week online. Alternatively, trade certification is achieved through apprenticeship-focused programs for a skill or specific job, unlike a broader University degree. Foremost, professional certification is a written assurance of successful education completion.
What Is Licensure?
Licensure is a legal requirement for regulated occupations such as nurses, lawyers, translators, etc. Medical and bar licenses are often country-specific, while cosmetology accreditation can be international, much like a driving license. Moreover, unlicensed individuals or companies often cannot access controlled materials: grey beauticians will not get access to Botox, which is sold chiefly upon license verification.
Government institutions are responsible for issuing licenses after accepting certificates—one cannot obtain a permit from a third party. Moreover, licensure frequently implies that its holder must be reassessed within a pre-designed timeframe by a legal authority, which is mandated by new standards and legislation. The governing organ can revoke a license in case of malpractice, especially in healthcare occupations.
Government institutions are responsible for issuing licenses after accepting certificates—one cannot obtain a permit from a third party. Moreover, licensure frequently implies that its holder must be reassessed within a pre-designed timeframe by a legal authority, which is mandated by new standards and legislation. The governing organ can revoke a license in case of malpractice, especially in healthcare occupations.
Is a Certification Basically the Same as a License?
While the license mandates proof of knowledge and ability, which is often an educator-issued certificate, these two types of professional credentials are not the same. The certificate eligible for licensing cannot be issued by non-authorized parties like private practitioners – a common occurrence in the beauty industry. For example, only the federal government in the United States can allow professionals to practice medicine, regardless of a previously granted degree.
The licensing organ will verify professional certifications with the issuing institution. The officer responsible for the verification can request access to an individual’s exam scripts to check whether the required coursework has been completed in full. Alternatively, licensure can include a set of independent exams to avoid any third-party influence.
The licensing organ will verify professional certifications with the issuing institution. The officer responsible for the verification can request access to an individual’s exam scripts to check whether the required coursework has been completed in full. Alternatively, licensure can include a set of independent exams to avoid any third-party influence.
What's the Difference Between Certification and Licensure?
The difference between licensure and certification is nuanced rather than fundamental. Prospective graduates should be concerned with the issuing authority, the standards and expectations within the industry, and the effect on their professional reputation when choosing a future occupation. In particular, certification can hold greater significance for a career path when a license is not required.
If a state restricts certain activities to individuals it authorizes, those professionals are licensed, regardless of the title given to the authorization. Even if the credential is called something else, it legally functions as a license. Furthermore, confusion between legal skill seals occurs because many states label their licensing processes as "certification," especially when they adopt private certifying standards for state authorization to practice.
Here are the key examples of the licensure vs. certification differences:
Some certificates, like advanced university degrees, have a stronger impact on careers: higher salary, proven advanced knowledge, and safer business practices in the client's eyes.
If a state restricts certain activities to individuals it authorizes, those professionals are licensed, regardless of the title given to the authorization. Even if the credential is called something else, it legally functions as a license. Furthermore, confusion between legal skill seals occurs because many states label their licensing processes as "certification," especially when they adopt private certifying standards for state authorization to practice.
Here are the key examples of the licensure vs. certification differences:
- True certification is always a voluntary process.
- Certifications are generally obtained in private professional organizations and colleges.
- The high-risk job market mandates not only a degree with a certain CPA and credentials but also state government approval in the form of licensure.
- Students in license-bound professions can only legally practice once accredited; for instance, medical students can only interact with patients under supervision, and trainee solicitors must provide written assurance from their bureau to participate in court.
Some certificates, like advanced university degrees, have a stronger impact on careers: higher salary, proven advanced knowledge, and safer business practices in the client's eyes.
The Combination of Licenses and Certifications
Professionals typically need either certification or licensure for work authorization, both requiring accreditation from a governing body. Certification verifies an individual's competence in their field, while licensure is a legal requirement for high-risk professions. These credentials, though complementary, are distinct. Certification is voluntary and obtained through private organizations, while licensure is government-issued and mandatory for practicing in specific industries.
Confusion arises because some states label their licensing process as certification. Licensure may require passing exams, and both credentials can enhance career prospects. Students should carefully consider the credentialing requirements for their chosen profession, as licenses often mandate certification like a degree as a prerequisite for legal practice.
Confusion arises because some states label their licensing process as certification. Licensure may require passing exams, and both credentials can enhance career prospects. Students should carefully consider the credentialing requirements for their chosen profession, as licenses often mandate certification like a degree as a prerequisite for legal practice.
Final Words
Professionals typically need either certification or licensure for work authorization, both requiring accreditation from a governing body. Certification verifies an individual's competence in their field, while licensure is a legal requirement for high-risk professions. These credentials, though complementary, are distinct. Certification is voluntary and obtained through private organizations, while licensure is government-issued and mandatory for practicing in specific industries.
Confusion arises because some states label their licensing process as certification. Licensure may require passing exams, and both credentials can enhance career prospects. Students should carefully consider the credentialing requirements for their chosen profession, as licenses often mandate certification like a degree as a prerequisite for legal practice.
Confusion arises because some states label their licensing process as certification. Licensure may require passing exams, and both credentials can enhance career prospects. Students should carefully consider the credentialing requirements for their chosen profession, as licenses often mandate certification like a degree as a prerequisite for legal practice.
FAQs
When is a license required, and when can I practice a profession with just a certification?
A license is legally required in most industries that significantly affect other people—finance, engineering, medicine, law, education, and architecture, to name a few. Regulated occupation lists vary depending on the country. Employers are responsible for ensuring their business and employees meet all predetermined qualifications for safe and licit operation.
How do I know which certification is recognized or accepted in my state for a particular profession?
A professional organization like a trade union is an optimal starting point to engage with occupation standards. Alternatively, one can obtain a consultation on certification requirements from their college by visiting an academic adviser. Finally, a local non-governmental organization can offer a website that automatically checks if a certificate is locally eligible.
Can I practice a profession in a different state if I only have a certification, not a license?
If the other state allows one to undertake a given profession with only certification – there should be no issues. However, the credential requirement is non-negotiable if another state has a different legal climate that obligates one to possess a professional license.
What is the process for obtaining a license if I already have a relevant certification?
Specialists should approach the respective licensing legal authority determined by the government. A professional license may require additional exams to attest to skills and theoretical knowledge. Licenses are issued only after the aspirant has met predetermined qualifications.
Are there any professions where both a license and a certification are required?
The most common answer is a health practitioner title that requires a medical license. However, some college programs that offer psychology program outside of medical school do not stress enough that certified psychologists also need licenses regardless of their theoretical expertise. Skills-based job examples that require successful completion of both the certification process and licensure are protective services and hair stylists.
