A certification is an earned distinction through a third-party organization that measures and verifies the individual’s knowledge or skill in a particular area. A licensure is a government-issued credential that permits an individual to legally engage in a particular profession or activity. The main difference between certification and licensure is that certification is voluntary, whereas licensure is mandatory.
Both certification and licensure have benefits for both the individual and society as a whole, but there are some key distinctions between the two. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between certification and licensure.
What is Certification?
When a candidate completes a certification, they are showing that they have the skills and knowledge to perform a specific job. Employers value certification because it offers them a way to verify that candidates have the required skills. Certification can be obtained from many different organizations, and the process usually involves passing an exam. In some cases, candidates may also need to have relevant work experience or complete a training course. Generally speaking, certification is seen as a way to improve your chances of getting hired or promoted.
What is Licensure?
Licensure is the process of obtaining a license from a professional body in order to practice a profession. In many cases, licensure is required in order to legally practice a profession. The requirements for licensure vary from profession to profession, but they typically include completing an accredited program and passing an examination. Once licensed, professionals are often required to complete continuing education credits in order to maintain their license. Licensure provides assurance to the public that a professional has the knowledge and skills necessary to practice safely and competently.
Difference between Certification and Licensure
In the world of professional credentials, it is important to understand the difference between certification and licensure. Certification is a voluntary process in which an individual demonstrates that they have met certain standards set by a professional organization. Licensure, on the other hand, is a requirement imposed by a government agency in order to practice a particular profession. In general, licensure is more rigorous than certification, as it often requires completion of an accredited education program and passage of a standardized exam. However, both certification and licensure can give employers and clients confidence that an individual has the skills and knowledge needed to perform their job effectively.
Conclusion
The terms certification and licensure are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Certification is a process by which an individual demonstrates that he or she has met the requirements of an organization or governing body. Licensure, on the other hand, is a process by which an individual is granted permission to practice in a specific field by meeting the requirements set forth by a regulating authority. So what’s the difference? Certifications are voluntary while licensures are mandatory in most cases.
