Occupational Licensure

Occupational licensure is a regulatory process through which a government or authorized agency grants individuals the legal right to work in a specific profession, such as medicine, law, or engineering. This process ensures that practitioners have met required education, training, and ethical standards to protect public safety and maintain quality service. Licenses typically involve exams and ongoing requirements, confirming competence and professionalism. While licensure helps ensure safety and standards, it can also create barriers to entering the profession, affecting job availability and costs for consumers.