There are many different types of professional licenses and they are required in most fields of work that involve healthcare or providing services to the public. Having a credential like a professional license ensures that a person working in a particular profession has had the proper training and skills necessary to complete the job and know the risks that are involved. Licenses also give assurance to the public that seeks out professionals for varying reasons.
Professional licenses do not just encompass licenses to practice medicine, they are actually critical for most fields of work. For purposes of understanding all the different types of professional licenses, they have been divided into five categories: education, training, application, permit, and registration.
Education
Many professional licenses require education, that is receiving systematic instruction by a formal school, university, or institution. Education usually involves passing exams and receiving a diploma before being able to work in the field. Licenses that typically require education are healthcare professionals, accountancy, architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architect, pharmacy, and more.
Training
Most trades work requires some type of training, which is learning skills informally or through a program, internship, or apprenticeship. Training and hands on experience is important for most trades because they each involve different machines, parts, and skills. These licenses that generally require training include:
Elevator Work
Electric Work
Crane and Conveyors
Community Association Managers
Fire Protection
Glass Work
Heating and Cooling
Home Inspections
Irrigation Trades
Plumbing
Pool and Spa Work
There are typically training hour requirements and sometimes online courses and exams before receiving these licenses.
Applications
Some professional licenses do not require formal education or training, but rather an application, which is a formal request from the right authority to do something after completing specific requirements. Like training, applications sometimes only require filling out the application, but sometimes there are requirements like online courses or exams and background checks. These licenses include:
Carnivals and Circuses
Charitable Solicitation
Closing Out Sales
Controlled Substances and Distributing Drugs and Cosmetics
Health Clubs and Martial Arts
Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Interstate Land Sales
Laboratories with Controlled Substances
Land Surveyors
Locksmithing
Lottery sales
Major Contracting
Television and Radio Work
Permits
Very few professional licenses can be obtained through a permit, which is getting authorization to do something. There is usually no training or exams necessary, but there may be an inspection or fine requirement before the permit is granted. These licenses include:
Importing, manufacturing, renovating, dealing secondhand, sterilizing, and supplying bedding and upholstered furniture
Liquor permits
Medical marijuana dispensary and production
Ticket sales
The purpose of permits are mainly to ensure that the selling and distribution of certain goods are being done in a safe and sanitary manner and in accordance with state standards.
Registration
Lastly, there are some professional licenses that just require registration, which is basically adding an individual name or business name onto a database. Some of these licenses are electronic nicotine delivery and dealing, gasoline and fuel manufacturing hemp, homemaker companion agency, home improvement contractor, and hypnotists.
No matter how a professional license is obtained or how much time and money it took to obtain, it is important in nearly every field of work. A professional license is often the only way that a person can go to work every day and provide for their family. If you have issues or concerns with your professional license, contact our office to speak with someone and get more information.