Licensure

Licensure is the government-granted permission to practice a regulated profession or occupation. It applies to fields that affect public health, safety, or welfare, such as medicine, nursing, law, engineering, teaching, and trades.

Licensure differs from certification and registration. Certification is often voluntary and offered by professional bodies to indicate competence. Registration is an official roster of practitioners that may or may not authorize practice. Licensure generally requires approved education, a passing exam, background checks, and ongoing education, and it defines the legal scope of practice with renewal and disciplinary provisions.

The licensure process usually involves applying to a licensing board, documenting education and experience, and meeting jurisdictional requirements. Some professions use national or multi-state exams, while others require jurisdiction-specific tests. Mobility is aided by compacts or recognition agreements that allow licensure to transfer across regions, such as the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) for physicians.

Licensure aims to protect the public by ensuring minimum competence and accountability. Critics say it can raise costs, create entry barriers, and limit access to services, especially in underserved areas. Reforms include temporary licenses, licensure by endorsement, and adjustments to scope of practice for telehealth and shortages.

Around the world, licensure models vary; some countries license many professions, others rely more on registration or voluntary certification. The balance between public protection and professional mobility remains a policy question.