Beroepsbenaming

Beroepsbenaming is a Dutch term that refers to the official name or designation of a profession. It denotes the formally recognized occupation and the professional identity that is used in legal, educational, administrative, and regulatory contexts.

The concept serves several purposes. It helps clearly identify the field of work and the corresponding competence domain. It is used on diplomas, professional registers, licenses, and official documents to communicate the qualification and the right to practice a given profession. It also supports labor market transparency, consumer protection, and the international recognition of qualifications, especially within the European context.

In many sectors, the beroepsbenaming is legally protected or regulated. For professions that require formal training and ongoing supervision or licensing, only individuals who meet specific educational standards and are registered in the relevant professional body or government register may use the official designation. This regulation aims to prevent unqualified practice and to ensure minimum standards of safety and competence.

The exact wording of the beroepsbenaming is typically defined by national law or sectoral regulations and may be published in official registers or classifications. It is distinct from informal or job-specific titles used by employers, which can vary and do not carry the same legal recognition. In education and qualification frameworks, the beroepsbenaming often corresponds to the degree or program completed and the level of professional autonomy that follows from that training.