The terms “license” and “certification” are often used interchangeably, creating uncertainty for students and professionals alike. This article will define each credential, explore the distinctions between them, and discuss their value in the professional landscape. Making an informed career decision requires understanding these differences.
What is a Professional License?
A professional license is a credential granted by a government agency that gives an individual legal authority to work in a specific occupation. Its primary purpose is to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare by ensuring a professional has met a minimum level of competence. Without the appropriate license, it is illegal to offer services in that profession.
Occupations with a high degree of risk, such as medical doctors, lawyers, and electricians, require a license. The process involves meeting educational benchmarks, accumulating supervised experience, and passing an exam. The issuing government body also holds the power to revoke a license if a professional fails to adhere to established standards.
What is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a voluntary credential awarded by a private, non-governmental organization, such as a professional association. Its purpose is to provide a third-party endorsement of an individual’s knowledge and skill in a particular field. It signals to employers that a professional has met a set of industry-recognized standards.
Certifications function as a tool for professionals to distinguish themselves in the job market. For example, an IT professional might earn a CompTIA A+ certification, or a project manager might obtain the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Obtaining a certification involves passing an exam, and many require ongoing education to maintain the credential.
Key Differences Between a License and a Certification
The most fundamental distinction between a license and a certification lies in the issuing body. Licenses are exclusively granted by governmental entities, whether at the state, federal, or local level. In contrast, certifications are awarded by private, non-governmental bodies, such as professional associations.
This leads to another point of contrast: the legal requirement. A license is mandatory to practice in a regulated profession, and working without one is against the law. Certification, on the other hand, is a voluntary pursuit that is not a legal barrier to entry for a job.
The core purpose of each credential also differs. Licensure is designed primarily to protect the public from incompetent or unethical practitioners by enforcing a minimum standard. Certification’s purpose is to recognize an individual’s advanced knowledge or specialized skill set.
Finally, the scope of what each credential represents is distinct. A license grants broad authority to practice an entire profession within a jurisdiction. A certification often attests to proficiency in a focused area of knowledge within a broader field.
How to Obtain a License or Certification
Obtaining a license is a structured and legally defined process. It begins with completing a specific educational program, such as a law degree for an attorney or a nursing degree for a registered nurse. Following education, candidates must pass a state-administered examination and complete a required number of supervised hours of practical experience.
Acquiring a certification generally offers more flexible routes. While some certifications may require a certain level of education, the emphasis is on passing a standardized exam from the issuing professional body. For many certifications, relevant work experience can be a substitute for formal education.
Benefits of Earning Professional Credentials
Pursuing either a license or a certification offers significant advantages. A primary benefit is enhanced credibility, as these credentials act as a formal verification of your skills and knowledge. This can lead to improved job prospects, as many employers prefer or require these qualifications for certain roles.
Holding a professional credential can also translate into higher earning potential. The expertise demonstrated by obtaining a license or certification is frequently rewarded with better compensation. These credentials can also provide access to expanded professional networks through the associations that issue them.