Licensure vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between licensure and certification is that licensure ensures a minimum level of competency to practice in a profession whereas certification recognizes additional skills or areas of expertise.
Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Licensure and Certification:
- Licensure: Licensure is a legal obligation that requires individuals to meet certain qualifications and pass specific exams in order to practice in a particular profession or occupation.
- Certification: Certification is a voluntary process that is granted by a professional organization to individuals who have demonstrated a certain level of expertise in a particular field.
Now, let’s get to Licensure vs Certification:
Major differences between Licensure and Certification
| Licensure | Certification |
|---|---|
| Licensure is granted by the state or a governing authority. | Certification is granted by professional organizations or associations. |
| Licensure typically involves passing a standardized exam and meeting certain educational and training requirements. | Certification often requires continuing education and professional development programs to maintain a certified status. |
| Licensure is required for a narrow scope of professions or occupations such as doctors, lawyers, and nurses. | Certification is available for a wider range of professions and occupations such as project management, HR, and skilled trades. |
| Licensure is usually governed by specific rules and laws that dictate how the profession or occupation is practiced. | Certification is governed by the professional organizations or associations that grant them. |
| Licensure usually requires a fee to obtain. | Certification also requires a fee but it is generally lower and covers the costs of testing, renewal, and maintenance. |
So, these are the main differences between the entities.
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